By Kelly Vates | Executive Director
Hello Everyone!
I am super excited to report that we are just three weeks away from test day!!! The training has been long and contains some preety tricky parts for a puppy who loves food! One of the tasks is someone walking up to her with CHEESE (her most favorite food in the whole world) and she has to completely refuse it! When we first started, I thought there was no way she would ever be able to refuse food! But, gratefully, I was wrong! Aspen has been doing very well. She has improved each week and our trainer is pretty confident that she will pass! I won't keep you waiting! I will post another project update by the end of June with pictures of Aspen and her Certification!!
Onto work load. When it comes to clients, Aspen gets five stars! She is so intune with people who are hurting. She is sensitive, gently and brings a smile to those she is helping. Recently, we had an adolescent victim of sexual assault come into the office who is prepping for trail. The young lady was very scared and had a difficult time making eye contact or even talking with our counselor. We asked her if she would like to meet Aspen. There was an immediate change. Aspen greeted her, layed at her feet and completely turned over in submission. The young lady laughed! She actually laughed! Completely shut down and closed off in one moment, and in the presence of Aspen, laughing! What an amazing thing to whitness! Aspen stayed right by her side through the entire appointment supporting her as she told her story. If I could show you a video of that, you would be as moved as I was. However, no pics are allowed in sessions for the safety of the clients!
However, I do have a few pictures for you. April is Nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Fair Haven Center for Women hosted our 13th Annual Walk in the Park on April 30,2016 @ Wicker Park in Highland, IN. I wish I could say it was a beautiful day but it rained...alot! Our supporters were troopers and walked in the rain. But, we had a pavillion that kept us dry while we ate! Aspen attended the event and is wearing teal green ribbons in her hair to represent the teal green ribbon for sexual assault awareness.
Additionally, we continue to take Aspen out into the public. I have included a picture of her taken June 1, 2016 at the Raddison Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN where Geminus Corporation hosted a Provider Fair. We had an opportunity to meet many people and discuss how Aspen is making an impact with victims of sex crimes. We tood a picture of her and the event photographer. He really liked Aspen and everytime he took her picture, he laughed because she would tilt her head and give him a smile. LOL! She has seen a camera or two in her time!
Thank you again for your support of Aspen and this project. We have could not do this without you!
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