DON & HIS BUDDY
Buddy was pulled from the Monterey County Shelter and went into foster care because he was shutting down in his kennel. It's not uncommon for dogs to behave this way, when they're no longer able to tolerate the stresses of shelter life. Buddy stopped eating, drinking, accepting invitations for walks, or even approaching people who passed his kennel. Buddy was deeply depressed.
After going into a loving foster home, Buddy went to his first class in Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall and immediately felt safety and comfort from his Youth Trainer, Don. Don had been detained in Juvenile Hall for over 2 year and struggled with depression.
He was shut down, would not talk with his therapist, teacher or social worker and would not participate in therapeutic programming at Juvenile Hall. Probation staff were very concerned that Don wasn't doing the therapeutic work needed for his rehabilitation from years of abuse and neglect.
By the end of the first UnChained class together, Don was laughing and Buddy was tail-wagging. This was the first experiences of joy by both in a long time. Staff reported that they had not seen Don smile or laugh since his incarceration over two years prior. It was obvious that they needed each other.
Buddy was pulled from the Monterey County Shelter and went into foster care because he was shutting down in his kennel. It's not uncommon for dogs to behave this way, when they're no longer able to tolerate the stresses of shelter life. Buddy stopped eating, drinking, accepting invitations for walks, or even approaching people who passed his kennel. Buddy was deeply depressed.
After going into a loving foster home, Buddy went to his first class in Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall and immediately felt safety and comfort from his Youth Trainer, Don. Don had been detained in Juvenile Hall for over 2 year and struggled with depression.
He was shut down, would not talk with his therapist, teacher or social worker and would not participate in therapeutic programming at Juvenile Hall. Probation staff were very concerned that Don wasn't doing the therapeutic work needed for his rehabilitation from years of abuse and neglect.
By the end of the first UnChained class together, Don was laughing and Buddy was tail-wagging. This was the first experiences of joy by both in a long time. Staff reported that they had not seen Don smile or laugh since his incarceration over two years prior. It was obvious that they needed each other.
By the 3rd week of class, Don began participating in programs and meeting with his Therapist on a regular basis. The Probation Manager was astounded that after all the staff of Juvenile Hall had been trying for years to get Don to talk, it was Buddy who gave him the confidence and comfort to start the therapeutic work needed to heal his soul. Buddy became the best buddy to a young man in need!