Short story - I brought Birdie to a nursing home to visit as a dry run to visiting a sick client in the hospital. He is a Korean War Vet who loves my dogs so much that I bring them to his house to visit with him.
The folks at the nursing home LOVED Birdie and begged me to bring her back. I've taken Birdie to the nursing home a few more times, but she is only interested in the people who have had strokes and I feel bad that she ignores the other people who want to see her too. (Birdie is training to be my service dog BTW) (Birdie's reaction to stroke victims is another thread for another day)
Birdie also does great with kids, retarded people, people who are loud and boisterous etc. I have socialized her with just about every kind of person you can imagine.
Because she does so well with kids, works great in crowds and enjoys doing tricks in front of people, I am considering doing a program in schools that teaches children about Dog Safety. I've sent off for information from three different sources so I can review them all.
I am also considering joining a program that encourages kids to read by letting them read to the dog. (Birdie has done this with pre-schoolers and the teacher invited her back)
So now I need to make a choice. Do I work with older people or the younger people.
I am leaning towards younger folks because I can't change the past but I CAN influence the future. If kids learn that pitbulls aren't mean - then maybe we can start changing the tide of the future.
What is your opinion?