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Summer showers can bring more than tempting puddles for kids to splash in, they can also leave electric hazards behind. Flooded areas are never safe spots to wade or play in, and may be in contact with energized electrical equipment or fallen power lines
port to 911 dispatchers, first responders, and those affected by traumatic events such as a fatal car accident or domestic violence situation. Bellavia partnered with fire stations and police departments and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to develop the program. Together, they trained dogs and their handlers to be able to participate in traumatic situations. The dogs learned how to tolerate, adapt, and cope with the physical and emotional stress that comes with a crisis.
The Canine Community Resilience Program was born out of the horror of the Parkland shooting, and a dog named Karma played a part in it. Karma is Bellavia’s own companion dog and has worked next to her for years, providing love and healing to others. Bellavia says watching Karma, and her other dogs comfort people in need has been profound.
“It means everything to me,” she stresses. “It’s the reason I continue to do this work 25 years later. It’s the reason I dedicated my life to animals that can help people. It takes a special animal to be able to intuitively be that for other people. What I saw my dog doing at the high school has completely revamped everything I’ve thought about animals, and I’ve been doing this, literally, my whole life.”
Bellavia says Karma had an innate ability to seek out people who needed her support. “She felt it,” says Bellavia. “She went to them. It was just an amazing, beautiful thing.”
For More Information
Humane Society of Broward County’s Animal Assisted Therapy www.humanebroward.com/programs/animal-assisted-therapy Healing Through Horses www.healingthroughhorses.com
Story Update
Since this story was first written much has changed. My sweet dog, Shlomi, passed away. I adopted two cats from our local animal shelter: Leopold and Liebchen. And, the coronavirus pandemic has unfurled. I reached out to Judy Schneider and Marni Bellavia to find out how they are faring in these times, and how the pandemic has changed their work.
Judy Schneider of Healing Through Horses, says “Like many service providers, we have been impacted by COVID-19. We have had to reschedule all of our group retreats, women’s circles and drop-in visits with the horses.”
Schneider is holding a three-day virtual equine-inspired art retreat this summer, and is planning a six-day, women’s retreat, co-facilitated by artist Tiffani Gyatso at the historic Rancho de la Osa in Arizona for November 9-14. She is also offering private therapy/coaching sessions at Healing Through Horses while practicing physical distancing following CDC guidelines. Her current equine healing helpers are Madonna, Guapito, Stella, and Rosa. Details about Schneider’s activities can be found at www.healingthroughhorses.com.
Marni Bellavia says the Canine Community Resilience Program is suspended due to the coronavirus. I asked Bellavia how her own therapy dogs, Karma and Bodhi, are doing these days.
The Humane Society of Broward County’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program offers virtual visits and video chats for those who could use a special pick-me-up. For a donation, they will drop in a video call for a maximum of 10 minutes. These wonderful therapy animals are ready to provide support to first responders, virtually visit a hospital room, or help celebrate a birthday, or other occasion. For more details, visit humanebroward.com/zoomies.
