Linda Brady has been a seasoned dog trainer from Oxford, Michigan, since 1978. Her clients approach her for different requests regarding trained dogs for a specific purpose. However, she needs to prepare more for the service she had to complete in December 2021.
Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan, was the place where a mass shooting happened on November 30, leaving four dead and seven injured. Linda was in disbelief when she learned about it. No one would think such a thing would occur in a small town with a population of 3586, but it happened.
Linda immediately emailed someone who could help her organize therapy dogs to help the students and their families at Oxford High School, but she was unsuccessful. Eventually, she connected with Michelle Palmer, who helped provide the therapy session venue at Legacy 925. It is a 200,000-square-foot park initially designed for large outdoor gatherings and fun events.
Linda then contacted students and friends who could lend their Therapy Dogs to help comfort the children. Eventually, different clubs and organizations volunteered their services as well. She also volunteered one of her trained dogs.
Three days after the shooting, therapy dogs found themselves at the forefront of what appeared to be a lengthy healing process for all affected by the tragedy. Dibs, Linda’s four 4-year-old Belgian Sheepdog, was also a big part of this.
Performance sports is Dibs’ primary specialty as a trained dog, but his new task brought out another side that awed his handler despite being thrown into a unique one-on-one atmosphere with grieving children.
The lovable dog takes his career seriously and is sensitive to his patient’s needs and suffering. You would know that Dibs did an excellent job when the students’ faces lit up at his sight.
Linda admitted to experiencing conflicting emotions as she observed the dogs’ interactions with the children. On the one hand, Linda would smile and feel happy conversing with the students and their parents. Conversely, the seasoned dog trainer would feel miserable and heartbroken as she watched the students, teachers, and parents deal with their grief and trauma.
It was hard not to cry as she watched the therapy sessions unfold. Her unforgettable experience was witnessing a tall, muscular, 16-year-old boy hide his tears as he buried his face in Dibs’ fur. Overall, she feels honored to participate in this remarkable experience of a lifetime.
Therapy Dogs may not be able to speak, but through their eyes, they convey the message that the children need: I am here for you. Dibs and the other Therapy Dogs deserve lots of pats and belly rubs for doing one of the most challenging jobs anyone could ever have.
Watch Dibs in training by watching this video:
Source: CanineCC via YouTube
