TDI Bailey the Connector

Bailey: Therapy Dog does good

We met Bailey back in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Unclaimed by her owners, she came home to live with a foster family who introduced her to therapy dog work. Bailey was a natural and earned her TDI certification with ease, but she sat for months without a nibble of interest. On the day we shifted her to our Ambassadog Program’s public kennels, she met Andy, a woman who runs a camp for kids with autism. 

Bailey became a proud family member as well as designated mascot for Andy’s important work. Andy told us that some of the kids who have the had the hardest time communicating found their voice through their connection with Bailey. The highlight of her first summer on the job was going on a camping trip with the whole group. What a pleasure for Bailey, as well as the kids. 

Bailey’s example is not so unusual. Pit bull type dogs are well known for their ability to connect with children with autism. We’re so proud to have known this special dog and her compassionate adopter.

Update: Bailey passed away on August 15, 2018, after a long life of love and happy adventures. We’re forever grateful to Nicole Rattay, who first fostered her, and to her adopters, Andy & John Chasko, who helped her share her gifts with some really great kids.