Mercy is a working dog with experience in the classroom setting and in private practice. She is a rescue dog who has lived with me since she was eight weeks old weighing eight pounds. Recently, Mercy celebrated her second birthday – at 35 pounds – on Valentine’s Day. She spent part of her birthday running and playing with her many canine friends at her favorite dog park. Recently discovered is that Mercy’s breed is Netherland’s Kooikerhondje:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/nederlandse-kooikerhondje/
This is much research about Human-Animal-Interaction (HAI) and the benefits that animals, in this case Mercy, a dog, brings to learning. Pets tend to change the space we are in. for example, research indicates that being in the presence of dogs lowers blood pressure, reduces feelings of stress, increases longevity, and cannot help but bring a smile to your face. Please see websites below for additional information:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02803/full
Some people may be allergic to or fearful of dogs and being with a dog may not be comforting. You always have the choice for Mercy to be present or not during any of our working sessions. Her role is to provide a non-interfering presence to provide that something extra that only Mercy brings. She is expected to maintain her manners and follow my instruction while we work. For example, you may feel comfortable having Mercy sit beside you or laying at your feet so that you can pet her while working. Sometimes she might lie on the rug and simply rest quietly.
Please see Sample Working Session for detailed information for a scheduled working meeting.