By Christina Campbell
Dogs Against Drugs sponsored a “Listen Up and Talk it Out” presentation last weekend at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Athens.
The presentation was designed to described common problems in communication within families and then give tips and methods for dealing with these issues.
“Sometimes, parents and families aren’t aware of all the dangers and pressures children face today. They aren’t aware of solutions to these problems. That’s where events like this can have such a positive impact,” said Genie Hilton, DAD Field Representative.
Audience members were encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation.
Hilton brought her canine partner Toby, who is a specially trained animal.
She said the program, which is based in Athens and serves North East Texas, partners dogs with handlers to be a team.
“The dogs come from different sources,” Hilton said. “Some are unwanted and some are specially bred for the program. When we get the dogs they are trained with a handler and each dog and handler are certified as a team, every year.”
According to DAD, their dogs are trained to alert on the odors of drugs, alcohol and gunpowder.
During this weekend’s presentation, an audience member was asked to hide a training aid, or target scent, for Toby to find — Toby had no problems with this exercise.
Then Toby performed his “Stop and Think” trick, which is used to demonstrate self-control to children.
Toby’s favorite toy, a Kong ball, is tossed across the room while Toby has to sit and stay until given the command to go get his Kong.
“By watching the DAD Dog, children have a great example of self-control. And the relationship between the dog and his handler demonstrates a positive relationship,” Pettycrew said. “The handler never yells at or hits the dog and this is something many children need to have as a role-model.”
Hilton said the programs DAD conducts teach about more than drug use.
“We developed a curriculum to teach each individual grade (at schools),” Hilton said. “We teach about peer pressure, family conflicts and other social situations children may face.”
DAD provides services to schools for a fee, Hilton said. “We will provide the dogs for searches, but we also have a two-semester education program.”
She said they go to schools twice a month.
“Last year we went to all the Athens schools,” Hilton said.
Providing services and events that benefit the community is a common goal between Wesley UMC and Children’s Crisis Prevention Network. Rev. Richard Palmer, pastor of Wesley UMC, stated, “Community events like this are necessary. It’s a blessing to be able to provide a place for them to happen.”
Saturday night’s presentation was developed from CCPN’s “Parent to Parent” program, which is partially supported by the Henderson County United Way.
“We plan on having another event with Dogs Against Drugs,” Palmer said. “People need to know more about drugs and other things kids are exposed to today. It’s a real eye-opener.”
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On the Net: www.childrens-crisis-prevention.org
e-mail ccampbell@athensreview.com
