Bruin, a Service Dog for the Classroom or Therapy, has been at our program, UMASS Transitions IRTP (Intensive Residential Treatment Program) for over a year. Our program currently services 15 adolescents who require long-term mental health treatment in a locked, secure setting.
Bruin enables kids to feel less lonely and depressed by being a warm body that they can hug. Most of our kids have been exposed to adults who have violated their trust and their boundaries. As a result, these kids have a very difficult time trusting others. Bruin allows kids to break down their walls, feel safe, and benefit from endless amounts of love and doggie kisses. Our teens often talk to Bruin about things that might be difficult to share with an adult and he is an outlet for the release of their difficult feelings.
Bruin is great because he does not judge or criticize, and is non-threatening. Kids take part in his care, which contributes to their learning how to be a caring and responsible person. I cannot recommend enough how valuable a Service Dog for Classroom/Therapy is to us and our program. Hopefully, the use of Service Dogs will become more prominent in classrooms and therapeutic settings to facilitate the growth of the children we work with each day.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kopp
Rehabilitation Assistant
UMASS Transitions
BRUIN
By Kristen
This morning I was crying
I could taste the salty tears
It seemed like nothing could make it better
Ease my troubles or my fears
When down the hall I heard
The sound of running paws
I opened the door to see my friend
His name is Bruin the therapy dog
He seemed to sense my sadness
To know I felt upset
Followed me into my room
And up upon my bed
He gave me sloppy kisses
And took my tears away
He lay down with his head on my lap
And decided he would stay
His big brown eyes looked up at me
Soft fur beneath my hand
And somehow when no one else possibly could
I knew Bruin could understand
He always keeps my secrets
And he never tells a soul
He’s there for a hug and loves to play
When I feel all alone
He’s the best friend in the world
Always happy, always sweet
It’s a comfort to have him near me
Almost everyday of the week
I love the way he makes me feel
He lets me know I’m loved
He doesn’t care about my past
Or the bad things I’ve done
He looks at me how I am today
And love me just the way I am
When I fall I know I can count on him to encourage me to stand
