Published: February 16, 2008 12:45 pm      

Pet therapy two-way street

Emily Rohr trained Tillie for 18 months in special program

Emma Golmam is quoted, “No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true educator should be to unlock that treasure.”

Extra Miler Emily Rohr has a head start on unlocking her kindness and generosity, partially because her parents are educators. Tom and Sheila Rohr, administrators at Southern Indiana school systems, have clearly unlocked the treasures within their 11-year-old daughter.

Emily is a bright, friendly and articulate Utica Elementary fifth-grader. She was referred as an Extra Miler by Sandy Lewis, who was impressed with Emily’s dedication to a long-term volunteer project. Her project was to train a “Paws With Purpose (PWP)” puppy to assist an individual with a disability.

Emily was given a specially bred 8-week-old puppy by the PWP; a solid black Goldendoodle named Tillie. She was to train and work with Tillie each day for 18 months, attend weekly special training classes and take Tillie in public as often as possible.

The public appearances were designed as an opportunity to work with the puppy on commands and to ensure she adjusts to being in a lot of places and around a variety of people. However, the trips often turn into opportunities for Emily to educate the public about Tillie’s mission.

I met Emily at the Green Tree Mall to interview and watch her work with Tillie. As we walked through the mall, Emily selected stores where she knew Tillie would be challenged. She wanted her dog to be confronted with items at lower levels, loud noises, strong scents and flashing lights.

Emily has taught Tillie to ignore distractions. Tillie walked beside her trainer and stayed on task. Clearly proud, Emily showed how Tillie is rewarded for her efforts. “Tillie does so well that I worry she may become overweight from the treats.”

Tom and Sheila knew this could be a good project for their animal-loving daughter after hearing about PWP during a Rotary Club meeting.

“This opportunity has helped Emily realize that she can make a difference in the lives of other people, which is something we try to teach all of our girls,” Sheila noted.

Both parents have observed how responsible and committed Emily has been to this project. Sheila explained, “One of many positives I see from Emily working with Tillie is learning service to others and responsibility. Emily was not really a shy child, but this experience has helped her learn to communicate with lots of people.”

Emily credits her family with much of her success with Tillie. “On occasion when I have too much homework or just do not have time to work with Tillie, my parents or sisters help out.”

Most 11-year-old girls are primarily interested in their own lives. Emily is not like most young girls. When working with Tillie, she is confident, focused and serious about her task.

In the mall, her focus at all times was on her dog and keeping Tillie under control. As children and adults approach them with questions; Emily stops, commands Tillie to sit and openly responds to inquiries.

Emily noted, “You should always ask before you pet a working dog. During the initial training, Tillie is learning to be comfortable with people, so she can get attention. Later, when she is working, she will give her owner undivided attention.”

Emily smiles as she explains, “Many people think Tillie is a guide dog for the blind. Some think I am blind and when they speak to me they don’t use their hands until they understand that I am a trainer.”

Emily has taught Tillie 35 commands, how to open doors and refrigerators, pick up items off the floor and much more. When asked if she would recommend this project to other children, her response was very specific, “Only if they are committed, very patient, have lots of time to give to the dog and love animals. I usually spend at least an hour a day or longer working with her.”

She hopes one day her dog will give needed assistance to someone who will love her as she has for the past 18 months. Emily explained that she would only have Tillie for five more days before giving her back to PWP for advanced training.

Watching them work in harmony, it was hard to imagine how difficult it would be for Emily to give up her constant companion. When asked about this, she confidently said, “I know it is going to be hard to give Tillie up and I’m going to really miss her. It will be sad, but I have known all along that she was only with me temporarily and that she will be leaving to help someone with a disability.”

Our Extra Miler, Emily Rohr, is wise beyond her years. She carefully nurtured Tillie and taught her to serve a special purpose in life. Tillie will one day be a working dog, giving her new owner something very special — dignity through independence. Emily also taught Tillie something extra along the way — love.

Thank you, Emily Rohr, for being an Extra Miler for Southern Indiana.

Kindness Tip of the Month: After the February column was published, several readers asked if there was a local organization similar to Therapy Dogs Inc. If you are interested in helping Paws With Purpose, you can find them in Louisville through www.PawsWithPurpose.com or by calling 502-689-0804. They need volunteers and donations of money and supplies to keep this wonderful program going.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, let her know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: Carol Dawson, THE EXTRA MILERS, Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130.