GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 29 who had been nonverbal for over a month, started talking for the first time when Kim came in with her own Great Dane. “For every group and every dog the mission is different,” Kim says. The dogs may perform tricks to engage children, or smaller dogs may just sit in someone’s lap to offer comfort. After the police shootings in Dallas in 2016, the organization took some of the dogs to the police station. Kim believes that because the dogs are so non-judgmental, they were just a calming influence and offered a sense of security as the officers experienced their grief. The objective of ATD is to form a network of caring individuals and their special dogs who are willing to share smiles and joy with people, young and old alike. Kim’s dogs have been used as a pillow while a young child practices reading, and she’s seen the entire countenance change in a patient with advanced-stage dementia. These volunteers are sharing their four-legged best friends with the community, and dogs like Walter are bringing a lot of happiness with them. Editor’s Note: For more information on the Alliance for Therapy Dogs, go to www.therapydogs.com and for more information on Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs, go to www.heartoftexastd.org. “Walter can change the dynamic in the classroom and change the way the students communicate,” says Michelle Altom, a Plano West Senior High School counselor who has witnessed firsthand how her golden retriever, Walter, breaks down barriers and brings lots of smiles. “IT’S AMAZING TO SEE HOW KIDS WHO WERE CAUTIOUS OR HESITANT TO TALK TO ME OPEN UP WHEN THEY SEE THE DOG.” -MichelleAltom,PlanoWestSeniorHigh SchoolcounselorandmemberoftheAlliance ofTherapyDogs Walter is no ordinary pooch. This five-year-old cutie loves to perform tricks, go swimming, and play with any kind of ball, but he also knows how to follow commands and has gone through the process to be certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.