People First is a very special organization. Here, from the web site of People First of California, Inc., is their Mission Statement:

“It is the mission of People First of California, Inc. to help start, inform and support local chapters so that we, and all people with developmental disabilities are able to speak for ourselves, know our rights and responsibilities, and are respected, valued members of our communities. (adopted August 8, 1994)”

Callie’s mom, Barbara — through her work with Social Vocational Services — is the facilitator for the People First chapter in Torrance, California. So it was easy to book Callie for a people first meeting.

Dogs bring joy to people in lots of ways. Dog-owners feel the joy of being in a special relationship with their pet. But some people can’t have a live-in dog; possibly because they live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets, or because other circumstances get in the way. Some of the People First members, for example, live in group homes.

The People First members welcomed Callie with open arms (literally). They love her energy, her playfulness, her pretty face, and her soft puppy fur. Here’s Callie visiting with a few of the members.

Callie is not a trained Therapy Dog. She’s just a fluffy, friendly, eight-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. But everywhere she goes, she makes people happy. Walking around the neighborhood, exploring Lake Arrowhead Village (her second home), and visiting with the golf course green’s keepers across the street.

This wonderful entertaining and therapeutic quality of dogs is so well recognized that some people train dogs to be “certified” Therapy Dogs. Here is some information about — and a link to — Therapy Dogs International, Inc.:

“The use of canines to help mankind is known throughout the world. They have been used for guarding flocks, tracking, hunting, search and rescue, leading the blind, and in assisting the deaf and physically challenged. The bond between dog and man dates back to early history, but it wasn’t until recently that a correlation was acknowledged between this bond and the emotional health of humans. Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal will cause a lowering of blood pressure, the release of strain and tension, and can draw out a person from loneliness and depression.”

Callie says “hi” to all the new friends she made at People First.

All of the photographs in today’s blog were taken by Ken Adams, Treasurer and Historian (photographer) for People First, Torrance. Thanks, Ken!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 12:22 am and is filed under Callie, Dog Communication, Dog Talk, Relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.