Pearl at Animal Angels Foundation- Summer Camp

Title: “A Day in the Life of Me, a Certified Therapy Dog | Spreading Pawsitivity”

"Hi there! My name’s Pearl. I’m not just a dog — I’m a certified therapy dog. My job? Well… It’s not to fetch sticks or chase my tail all day (though I do enjoy both). I’m here to help humans feel a little less heavy, a little more loved. Want to spend a day with me? Let’s go!"

"I start my day with stretching, tail wagging, and a bit of excitement - it’s very obvious for a golden retriever like me! After breakfast and a cuddle with my parents, my dad got ready and picked up my blue uniform that I wear for therapy sessions at Animal Angels Foundation. We geared up as my handler came to pick us up at my apartment, and as usual, I couldn't wait to sit in the car (it is one of my favourite activities to travel in the car), so I ran with her to the car. And then we head to the therapy center for summer camp. I can always tell it’s going to be a big-feeling kind of day."

"We're on our way, and I look outside and wonder, how many people out there are holding in their pain, pretending to be okay? My mission is to be a gentle reminder that they’re not alone."

"Now we arrived at the center, I didn't know that I'd be meeting with some cute and loving children. But as usual, I was so excited and couldn't wait to meet my cute little hooman. When we entered the room, I saw some pretty, happy, and smart children. They were as excited as me. My smile got so big after meeting them; they started shouting and dancing out of excitement, and they couldn't wait to pet me. As soon as I settled down, we began with the activities."

"So we began with our first activity of storytelling by the cute little hoomans, in which they read and narrated some stories to me one by one. Oh god… it was such a wholesome feeling of silently listening to them, and to get the feeling of them not being judged, validated, and being confident about their reading skills. Yeah, this is what my work is… right? Not to judge my hoomans, and validate them for being themselves."

"The next activity was one of my favourites, Break Time! Hey, don’t judge me for this – Even therapy dogs need to reset. At first, I went outside with my parent to pee and for a short walk. And then guess what, I got some treats, Woohhf I’m a golden retriever… I love treats, and being a therapy dog, especially with the hands of my cute little hoomans. And then these hoomans had their tasty and junky lunch, which I loved to see them having. Although I troubled my handlers too for not giving it to me. Hehe."

"Then we head to our last activity of paw painting or printing, whatever. Which I loved the most from the day. I did nothing, just lay down and gave my paw to my handler, and she printed my paw to some cute canvas boards with some beautiful colors and one by one handed it to all of my cute little hoomans. You know why I loved that activity because these hoomans were so happy while printing my paw with colors, of course, I could see that in their eyes."

"And then guess what, we took a cute group photo with my favorite humans–I was the happiest pup in the middle with a huge smile!"

"Woof, it’s time to say goodbye, and I hate it. I know I should not be sad right… What do you think? A therapy dog doesn't know the concept of countertransference and termination, Wuhhf? I know, I know. And Goodbyes must always be wholesome!"

- Pearl