Leashes of Love: Support K9s for Kids

I have spent my whole career working with children and families, and as I finish out my career, I wanted to try something different and really give back to my community. Part of my job is to train volunteers to be Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), so I still get to teach, which I truly love! The other part of my job is to support CASA volunteers with their cases and manage the K9s for Kids team. My own dog (pictured) is now part of the K9 team!

This is a tough, but rewarding job. We see, hear about, and support children who have been through extreme trauma and toxic stress. Unfortunately, they have had many adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). A big part of my educational background is in child development, trauma-informed care, and mental health. However, sometimes children who have experienced trauma are unable to interact with others because talking with others can be unpredictable or unsafe. A connection with a K9 can feel easier and can be more healing than connecting with another person. Physical contact with a dog can calm your body, lower your stress, and help regulate your nervous system when it's stuck in fight, flight, or freeze.

Sometimes children are removed from their homes due to child abuse and/or neglect, and have to leave their pets behind as they navigate the foster care system. That's where our K9 program comes into action. Our K9 volunteers show up with their dogs to provide calm and comfort, whether it's in court, at a park, or at our office. The K9s for Kids program absolutely changes a child's story!

Please consider donating to CASA of Placer, Yuba, and Sutter to help children benefit from the K9s for Kids program.