The Special Kids Fishing Derby is a fun-filled day for approximately 125 "special needs" kids (those with emotional, educational and/or physical disabilities) from local elementary schools. The event has food, clowns, games, face painting, arts-n-crafts, and of course fishing in a specially stocked lake. The day is all about the kids, to let them have some fun and to show them that they are loved...and indeed, very, very special.
This was our 6th year doing this bi-annual event so I was a little better prepared for the emotional impact Cheyenne, Dakota & Tahoe have on these special children. But I don't think I will ever be ready for how these kids are drawn to my dogs - how my dogs react; tails wagging, eyes sparkling and tongue ready to wash every face that gets within licking distance! My dogs show no discrimination with the exception of extra gentleness in some instances; they always seem to know what each child needs and they return twofold the enthusiasm the kids show for them.
There was a film producer in attendance filming my girls interacting with the kids. There was one moment right after she arrived where she saw Cheyenne being held by a child who was whispering things to Cheyenne who sat there so attentively listening to the child's every word. "That is one of the most heartwarming things I have ever seen." she said as she wiped a tear from her eye. She filmed a little longer and then all of a sudden, she turned and walked away. A colleague of mine went to see if she needed something. It turns out that she walked away because she was embarrassed that she was crying. She then voiced her heartfelt thoughts, "Why can't people see how wonderful these dogs are?"
There were so many special moments, as I'm sure you can imagine. We met a young boy named "Alex" who, after spending a few minutes with my girls, came up to me as I was standing with the event organizers and said, "Hey ma'am......I just realized something." "What's that Alex?" I said. He started petting Tahoe on the head and said, "With training and love...these dogs became heroes!"
All my dogs care about is making people feel like they matter and today they spent 4 solid hours doing just that. To Cheyenne, Dakota and Tahoe, everyone they meet is a new friend...and today they made over 125 more. |
