Kaitlyn Parker is a very special little girl. She is a rising 6th grader and is known in her community as a Junior Dog Whisperer. (See this video for Kaitlyn's opportunity to meet the REAL Dog Whisperer and his dog Junior!) There is nothing small about her impact on those in her life though. Kaitlyn helps out part time at Country Haven Kennels where she not only takes part in the care and cleaning for the guests, but plays an integral role in the socialization, training, and rehabilitation of the rescue dogs who live there.
Kaitlyn has been helping out at the kennel for almost a full year now, starting September first 2010 when she and a friend came and walked 2 of the dogs referred to as "lifers" who both have fear issues that make home placement difficult. One, Bud, was traumatized by being dragged behind his owner's car in September 2009, and the other, Hannah, was never given proper socialization so she panics when introduced to new things and people. Ever since that day, Kaitlyn has been pitching in five to ten times per week to do whatever is asked of her to help the dogs and others.
When asked why she donates so much of her time and energy, Kaitlyn shared this:
I come to Country Haven Kennels all the time. I don't come because I have to, I come because the kennel is like my home, and I love all the dogs. The staff here is all basically family, and I love how nice and caring they are. Most people don't like picking up poop, but to me I don't mind it. I absolutely love coming and learning new things. I really don't mind doing anything here whether it's winter, summer, fall, or spring.
She then added:
My favorite dog is a pit bull. That's my favorite dog because I have 2 of my own, Esko and Clyde, which are the whimpiest pits ever! Also, Casey's pitbull Proof and dogs at the kennel that are pit bulls. Proof loves to play ball also, which I too love to play with the dogs. When we're in the running yards with the dogs, it means a lot to me because I get to train and socialize dogs, plus just have fun and play with them. That is my favorite time of the day besides feeding time. I love having the dogs stare at me like "FOOD!" Then eat it within two seconds. Also I love to watch the slimey drool drip off their faces! That's what I love at Country Haven Kennels.
Kaitlyn does a great job keeping the staff in line as well, and keeping the owner, Casey Crotchfelt organized and amused. According to Casey, "This place wouldn't be what it is without Kaitlyn, and she's the only exposure many of these rescue dogs get with children, so Kaitlyn makes the foster dogs more adoptable. We (the dogs and the staff) love her!"
Comments