THERAPY DOGS,  SANTA PAWS & THE POLICE – 

By Tuesday, December 20, 2022 2 No tags Permalink

Last week therapy dogs, Santa Paws & the Charleston Police catapulted me into this holiday season for all the right reasons…

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a loving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first.

George Matthews Adams

IT ALL BEGAN – 

earlier this year when the Chief of Charleston’s Police Department and I agreed working together would be #Pawsome!

Therapy dogs are changing hearts and minds with Police Therapy Dogs. 

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Our partnered focus will be on three initiatives – 

  • community events – sponsored activities engaging the community
  • station visitation – provide tail wagging happiness regularly at the precinct
  • trauma support – on call for any traumatic experience.

Visitation at the station is going well with dozens of teams committing to bimonthly visits with the officers. Jaxson has already identified his favorite humans, like Deputy Chief  Walker….

SANTA’S ESCORT RIDE – 

is a pet project (no pun intended) in it’s 4th year with this department.

Most of the year, donations are collected, gifts are purchased and wrapped for that one December day when Santa and Mrs. Claus ride throughout Charleston giving out gifts!

So when they asked if their K9 Therapy Crew could tag along, I was all for it. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with Santa and Mrs. Claus?…

Twelve motorcycles (led by Santa) followed by five SUV’s, two trucks filled with bikes and a trailer stuffed with gifts gathered early in the morning on December 14th…

Coffee and donuts and happy conversation started our day. #krispykremesandstarbucks Then a last minute briefing which Jaxson believed he needed to be a part of #fromadistance

But before long, he inched his way closer…

…and then it was time to get in and go…

THE GIFT –

of this Christmas season is to truly think of others. I was humbled and full of emotion as we traveled with Charleston’s men and women in blue around town for more than four hours stopping at elementary schools…

…where they gave out donuts and wrapped gifts to each and every child. We followed them from classroom to classroom and I couldn’t stop smiling as the children screamed

Santa, Santa, Santa

Children were allowed to “interview” Santa and Mrs. Claus. Some questions were very creative –

Are the reindeers sick – is that why you’re on a motorcycle?

Jaxson and the other two therapy dogs also brought big smiles to the little humans…

We stopped at the Ronald McDonald House (gives a family with a sick child a compassionate environment) and the Fisher House (serves 16 Veteran’s and their families 365 days a year as guests when their loved ones are inpatients at our local VA hospital).

The spirit of hope, and faith that I felt from talking to everyone was – at times – overwhelming. The Fisher House had to be one of the warmest homes I have ever walked into, and I am not just talking about the beautiful aesthetics.

They provided light fare for all, which gave us time to mingle with the staff and residents there. The spirit of Christmas filled every room, but I would venture to say – it’s like that all year long…

TIS THE SEASON –

to be jolly – true – however, this is also the season to give thanks, give back, and spread cheer. For me, it’s a time to focus on the beauty in everything and everyone.

This is the season of joy, gift giving and families uniting.

Jaxson was all in with the holiday spirit. But when he got back in the car for the 20th time, he passed out as we headed back to the station…

I don’t know what brings you Christmas cheer, but whatever it is – give more of it, love more of it and laugh more because of it.

Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day!

2 Comments
  • Jayson
    December 21, 2022

    Awesome!

  • Jayson
    December 21, 2022

    Fantastic!