Encounters with Rikki tells the true story of the incredible partnership between Chuck and Rikki, a very special rescue dog. Rikki first found her home with Chuck and Patty Mitchell in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Even though the golden retriever was a shy, shell-shocked puppy still adapting to the stress of displacement, Chuck recognized her innate abilities as a therapy dog. Together they bring healing and hope to recovering patients, accident victims, and the mentally ill. Soon Rikki's quiet confidence attracts the attention of advocates of child victims.
Called upon to testify in court, child witnesses must recall horrific memories in the presence of their abusers; the tireless work of Chuck and Rikki allows these children to do so with a therapy dog by their side. Inspiring and heartfelt, Rikki's story illustrates the far-reaching effects of the human-animal bond.
Do you have any experience with service or Therapy animals?
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Read part of the story here
Encounters with Rikki book trailer from Julie Bettinger on Vimeo.
I’ve been writing about acts of courage and community trends for more than 25 years. Like a curator of other people’s life history, I try to bring those stories alive for readers. Find me at: www.JulieBettinger.com
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Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure
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I don't, but I think it is truly amazing what service animals can do to help people.
ReplyDeleteI worked at a vet for 7 years, and many of our clients had therapy animals. These dogs (and cats) do great things for their owners, and their owners return the favor. I never once saw an owner balk at the cost of or type of medical care needed for their dogs.
ReplyDeleteAh, that is so sweet! I love good books and I love dogs, so I may have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with service animals but this sounds like such a touching story! I'd love to check the book out!
ReplyDeleteI'm a firm believer in therapy animals, especially since I'm chronically ill and have seen and witnessed for myself the special bond between countless of my fellow spoonies and their therapy animals. There's just something about animals that HELPS. This sounds like quite a beautiful and enriching story to read!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience. However, those stories sound amazing.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with service dogs, but I am so grateful that these animals can provide companionship for these children. It is amazing what they can do.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with therapy dogs, but whenever I hear stories about how they can help people heal, I am always amazed.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who grew up with Golden Retrievers, I know how smart, affectionate, intuitive, and special they are. Thanks for sharing this awesome story.
ReplyDeleteNo, I do not have experience with therapy dogs but I believe they are very helpful. Dogs can be so calming and great companions.
ReplyDeleteI don't have experience with service or therapy animal, but I'm always amazed with the help they give.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of how amazing service animals are for people today. The freedom and independence they provide and the companionship, priceless
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good read. I don't have any experience with therapy dogs. I think they're very amazing though. What they do for others is great.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with service animals but this sounds like such a great story! Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteService animals are just incredible to me! My daughter is in a speech classroom for her speech delay and one of the little girls has a service dog.
ReplyDeleteI was actually thinking about getting one for my oldest son. My mother in law has a service dog too.
ReplyDeleteI don't have experience with therapy animals, but I would like to learn more about them. I just got my degree in clinical counseling and I know animals could be of great help to some suffering from mental illness.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with therapy animals,. However, I've always been in awe of them!
ReplyDeleteNot at all. This is very new for me but I appreciate people that dedicate their lives to helping/nuturing animals.
ReplyDeleteI know a friend who have a service dog and it's a great help.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book! Service dogs are truly a blessing! What they can do to help people are amazing!
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