A plumber making a housecall near San Antonio noticed a puppy playing outside in the weeds. When he asked the householders about her, they said that they no longer wanted the dog. The plumber called his cousin in Houston and without seeing the animal she agreed to take the pup. She named the dog, Chloe and they never looked back.
Chloe and her Mom started working with a trainer named Mary Kegarise to get some doggie basics. But, little did they know that an inquiry into dog training would lead to bigger things. Chloe's Mom remembers, "She saw Chloe's potential upon meeting her and told us that she would make a great therapy dog. We took the classes and she passed all the tests the first time."
When Chloe was 1 year old they became volunteers for BAK-PAK (Books and Kids, Power and Knowledge). Mary is the director of BAK-PAK at Oaks Presbyterian Church. This program uses therapy dogs to help students not only improve reading skills and literacy but also to boost students’ self-esteem. Pets reduce stress and other observable signs of anxiety, and students are more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. The children read to the animals. If the child has a problem with a word, animals like Chloe will encourage them by licking their hands or pawing the book.
"She loves everyone and is so gentle that even children that don't care for dogs wind up hugging her and giving her kisses. She is a wonderful, loving, fur baby and so smart. I can't imagine my life without her."
Chloe will turn 11 this June.
Chloe and her Mom started working with a trainer named Mary Kegarise to get some doggie basics. But, little did they know that an inquiry into dog training would lead to bigger things. Chloe's Mom remembers, "She saw Chloe's potential upon meeting her and told us that she would make a great therapy dog. We took the classes and she passed all the tests the first time."
When Chloe was 1 year old they became volunteers for BAK-PAK (Books and Kids, Power and Knowledge). Mary is the director of BAK-PAK at Oaks Presbyterian Church. This program uses therapy dogs to help students not only improve reading skills and literacy but also to boost students’ self-esteem. Pets reduce stress and other observable signs of anxiety, and students are more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. The children read to the animals. If the child has a problem with a word, animals like Chloe will encourage them by licking their hands or pawing the book.
"She loves everyone and is so gentle that even children that don't care for dogs wind up hugging her and giving her kisses. She is a wonderful, loving, fur baby and so smart. I can't imagine my life without her."
Chloe will turn 11 this June.
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