New Lives – Stories of Rescued Dogs Helping, Healing, and Giving Hope

by Joanne Wannan

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Joanne Wannan. New Lives – Stories of Rescued Dogs Helping, Healing, and Giving Hope. United States of America: 3BlackDogs  2010.  228 pp.  $18.95     

Joanne Wannan tells the stories of 18 dogs rescued from shelters and the streets who were trained for animal therapy and as service dogs. They have helped people with physical and emotional disabilities, assisting some to achieve independent living; cheering people up – even relieving depression – in nursing homes, hospitals, and jails. They motivate children to read, offer comfort to victims of emotional and physical traumas. The fact that they come with their own stories of overcoming severe hardships and traumas becomes an asset – providing points of resonation for children and adults who have struggled with difficult challenges. It is moving and heartwarming to see how the lives of people and dogs are mutually healed.

Professionals incorporate both rescued and non-rescued dogs in their practices, but many prefer the former. They feel it helps create a potent bond between client and dog. This is particularly true when working with children and teens. Those who have experienced abandonment or abuse can often relate more easily to a dog with a similar past. Children with behavioral problems often “see themselves” in dogs who have few social skills, and who are learning, like themselves, to be valued members of society. Rescued dogs can also teach important lessons about the humane treatment of animals, as well as tolerance, patience and respect. (p. 3)

A lovely, unusual innovation of Wannan is in introducing dogs to children who were struggling in school because they were slow to learn to read.

If you go to any public library on a Saturday afternoon, you may see a dog sitting quietly on a blanket, starting intently at the pages of a book, while a child reads out loud. These dogs are part of Reading Education Assistance dogs (R.E.A.D.*), a trademarked program of Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA). This program’s goal is to improve literacy in children by having them read stories to an attentive canine.

The concept behind the program is both simple and profound. Dogs aren’t judgmental: they don’t correct or criticize. This creates a positive learning environment and allows kids to practice their communication skills in a safe, non-threatening way. The result can be better grades, improved reading levels and increased self-esteem. And along the way, children discover that reading can be fun. (p. 39.)

Anyone considering animal assistance will enjoy and benefit from reading this book.

Review by Daniel J. Benor, MD, IJHC Editor in Chief

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