Ranger and PawPADs volunteer Holly went to Holly’s hometown, Newtown, Connecticut this week to provide animal therapy and support to Newtown residents. Holly is a school psychologist and works closely with PawPADs’ S.I.T. and Y.E.S. programs. Here is her firsthand account of the visit to Newtown:
“Ranger and I are above 10,000 feet and on our way home. My words cannot possibly do justice to what the last 4 days have been like.
Before I left I thought the events in Sandy Hook would seem less surreal when I arrived. I now know that is not the case. I think the events are still unimaginable in their entirety. There are just so many personal accounts, families directly and indirectly affected it’s overwhelming.Ranger met a teacher, first responders, spouses of staff at SHE and many many students from SHE [Sandy Hook Elementary]. He also met dozens of kids and adults from around Newtown. Many times – actually most of the time – when we would meet someone, I wouldn’t know their story until after they walked away. While I didn’t know their stories, Ranger sure seemed to know.
I’m not sure I can adequately put into words how much comfort he gave to dozens and dozens of people. We were thanked so many times by so many people and I truly feel we made a difference or at least provided a bit of much needed comfort.
I am so grateful for having PawPADs in my life. I truly feel that it was part of Gods plan. We did good work here and I can’t imagine having done this trip without him. Thank you SO much for supporting this trip and for your constant encouragement!
Thursday: Breakfast at a local place, then to Sandy Hook fire department where we met numerous first responders who were directly affected. Then we went to the Community Center where many of the events have been held for children in town. We (Ranger and I) volunteered at a call center fielding calls inquiring about support, dance studio, town hall, out to dinner where we continued to meet people.
Friday: We volunteered at the town offices from 8-4:30. I was opening some of the over 75,000 pieces of mail that have come into town from all over the world offering condolences, letters, cards, items, snowflakes and donations. Friday night I met some dear friends of mine at their house and dinner. They are best friends with the art teacher at SHE (she hid her children in the kiln room and was their eyes when leading them out of the building). My friends fell in love with Ranger.
Saturday: Ranger and I went to a Memorial service, cheer practice, basketball game, dinner, benefit concert.
Sunday: We met with one on one with art teachers from SHE and her husband. Then back to the Sandy Hook fire department. At the fire dept. a father and son came in. The father has a higher job at the FD. The son (later learned he has Asperger’s) came and sat near me. I asked him if he wanted to pet my dog. He hadn’t even noticed Ranger. He came over and was in awe of him. Ranger leaned into him and we spent quite a bit of time talking. While we were doing this his father was talking to my friend and her husband. I heard part of the story which to make short goes like this. The father is a member of the FD, his wife was at SHE – actually she came in the bldg. while the shooter was in a classroom, she heard and saw what was going on and ran outside to hide behind a propane tank while her two children were in the building. The father knew all three were inside. The son has not returned to school and had yet to feel comfortable enough walking up to a comfort dog until Ranger.
What I learned was that some of Ranger’s best work and support was just being around town. We heard dozens of stories like the one I just shared and they were all while we were around town at various events.I’m pretty sure both of us could sleep for 24 hours straight. He’s taking a snooze on the plane now and I wish I could join him on the floor.”
