I have to update you on Jo’s stats. She has gained 16 pounds in six weeks, grown 6 inches from collar to butt, and 6 inches from floor to top of her collar. She has very large, beautiful paws.
She went back to Ilana’s class yesterday and it was so moving to see these children interact with her. I fed her there and they all put their hands in the bowl while she was eating. They fed her and pulled at her and she was so calm. Ilana said, “Mom, Jo seems to know when she is supposed to play bite and when she isn’t.” The most moving experience was with a little boy named Joey who is very afraid of dogs and has some special needs. I will send a picture of him with Jo. He loves Jo and the teacher was tearful as she watched the two of them interact. The teachers have asked how fast she can become a therapy dog. They would like to use her in school to have children read to her. There is a lot of data that suggests that children who have difficulty reading or speaking will read to a dog and it helps their literacy. Our local library and other local schools are looking for the same thing. Jo helping kids with literacy! WOW! I did not imagine this. Thank you and Cadence, and Funny for her 🙂
Andrea
Jo is from the D-litter Negus x Cadence
More about the Jo as class project:
https://24kgsd.com/blog/2012/12/16/jojo-makes-the-class-newsletter/
Andrea – this is just terrific! What a special girl. We’re in Ft. Myers, where are you?
Nancy (Digger’s mom)
OK why are you Florida people always so quick to point out where you live??? Is it because you like rubbing it into our freezing noses? 🙂
Oh no Julie, ee are only trying to pass some of our 80 degrees heat to you all… did I really say 80 degrees in February??? 🙂
Or, maybe convince you to come and visit…. 🙂
Andrea, what a special opportunity JoJo, you, and all the kids have.
There is a group around here that works with autistic kids and agility dogs. They do super work, just like JoJo. 🙂
What a wonderful puppy ambassador to the German Shepherd Dog.
Terri, DuKe’s Ma
Thanks to your idea, Andrea, I will also be taking my new puppy to an elementary school to let them do a project with her growth. They will be measuring her, tracking her weight and watching how her ears change over time. I currently take my parents’ dog, Gibbs, to this school for Therapy work and visit with developmentally and emotionally challenged children. We have worked with children that were afraid of dogs, but love Gibbs because he is so calm. I am very excited about taking the puppy and getting free socialization!
I like the girl on the left holding her nose!!!! LOLOLOL
Andrea, super class project, for both Jo Jo & the kids!
What a terrific idea.
This is such a wonderful project. Thank you for keeping us updated.
I can’t wait to see the retrospective post! I love that you are doing this project, thanks for keeping us updated.
Great to get the update on your project.
So good for the kids and the puppy!