AZARIA
Azaria means “to help or support.” I named her that because I knew I was going to do therapy “work” with her. That little 9 week old puppy lived up to her name. She was perfect for her job. Azaria helped kids with special needs, teens “at risk” and even walked the long halls at the airport to lighten the stress in travelers lives for a bit with that wagging tail and big Berner smile. Our favorite response was “You made my day.” She was really great at helping men and women with PTSD. Here’s just one example:
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It was one of those typically beautiful southern California days: The temperature was perfect and the sun was shining and we were at the park ready to work. Azaria was one of several dogs chosen to work with military men and women challenged with PTSD. This was only the second time that we were working with Fred (not his real name), but we were looking forward to it. Fred came and looked a bit nervous, however he was willing to try working with Azaria in a public area
We started walking and kept pretty much to open spaces, as he had apprehensions about approaching such things as women with baby strollers and people in traditional Arab garb. At one point we were walking down an area next to a building with a cover overhead. A homeless person was sitting on the ground leaning against the building but I didn’t give much thought to it. Fred suddenly moved Azaria over from the typical heeling position on his left to be between himself and the homeless person. I thought it peculiar but that was fine.
A little bit farther on we turned into a courtyard area and Fred aimed for a seat where he started hugging Azaria, burying his face into her long fur and crying. When he was more relaxed I asked what was wrong. He said he had not moved Azaria – she had moved herself to be between him and the man! He was so grateful that she could “read” him and know that he was stressed without him saying anything.
This was the beginning of Fred’s trusting relationship with a dog. We worked with him several more times and he eventually said he felt he could again go out in public without the fear that had gripped him for so long. Azaria helped many people with PTSD and other demons. She was special and is sorely missed.
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from Debi in California