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The girl who never spoke, said Coco

Coco and the power of love, one touch at a time
Coco and the power of love, one touch at a time
Photo credit: 
S. Grundfest

For one whole year Coco visited with Zara each Friday. Zara had the biggest smile and loved to run her fingers through Coco’s fluffy white fur.

Zara loved to be chased by Coco and let Coco chase her.

Zara lifted Coco’s little feet and danced around and around.

Zara helped walk Coco by holding on to her leash and never let her run too far ahead.

Zara brought Coco her water bowl and encouraged her to take a drink.

Zara did everything for and with Coco except one thing.

Zara never spoke to her friend.

She never said Coco’s name or called her to Come or told her to Sit.

She never told her she was a Good Girl.

She never said Hello or Goodbye.

Zara used to talk. Then one day she stopped.

No one knew why Zara didn’t speak but a whole host of professionals worked with her to unlock her ability to use speech.

Then one day Coco took ill and missed several weeks of visiting. Zara was very sad without her Friday friend.

One day she looked up at her mother and very, very softly said “Coco?”

The floodgates opened and day by day Zara spoke more and more. No one knows why she stopped talking but we all know why she started again … the healing power of pets spoke volumes for this one little girl and her beloved therapy dog,
 

You may enjoy reading these other stories about inspirational therapy animals:

Will work for love: saving lives at both ends of the leash
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m4d24-Will-work-for-love-changing-lives-at-both-ends-of-the-leash

Aliah visits Silver Ridge
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m10d25-The-power-of-touch-Aliah-visits-Silver-Ridge-Health-Care-Center

Meet Mackenzie
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m8d27-Meet-Mackenzie--therapy-pooch-spreading-joy-one-paw-at-a-time

One dog, one child: integrating animal assisted therapy into an overall care plan
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m6d15-One-dog-one-child-How-animal-assisted-therapy-can-be-integrated-into-an-overall-care-plan

Meet Lillie
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m5d28-Lille-Lille-Lille-is-that-Lille-Meet-a-most-extraordinary-animal-assisted-therapy-dog

The-world’s-most-unadoptable-dog-and-the-lessons-she-taught-us
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m5d9-The-worlds-most-unadoptable-dog-and-the-lessons-she-taught-us

Hospice visiting
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m5d9-One-familys-greatest-gift-to-their-mom-a-visit-with-a-hospice-dog

Visiting The Shade Tree
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m5d6-Saving-lives-one-lick-at-a-time--Coco-visits-The-Shade-Tree

 

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, Las Vegas Therapy Dogs Examiner

It all started for Sue with one fluffy white poodle Coco the Love Dog. For almost fifteen years Coco set the standard for therapy dogs and now the legacy of the Love Dogs lives on in Kirby, Benny and all the other Love Dog therapy teams. Sue is a professional dog trainer and Instructor and...

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