–Sam
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.” THE SILENT HEALER Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
EASY HOMEMADE DOG FOOD Inspired by ThisMessIsOurs.com
INGREDIENTS •
6 cups cooked organic brown rice
• 2 lbs lean ground beef, cooked thoroughly, fat drained • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small • 3 medium-sized carrots, shredded or thinly sliced • 1/4 cup minced curly parsley • 8 oz frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped • 3 tbsp of olive or safflower oil DIRECTIONS 1. In a large container, combine all ingredients and stir until mixed completely. 2. Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator in between feedings. Notes: Serve 4 cups of this food twice daily for a dog weighing 80 pounds or more, 2 cups twice daily for a dog weighing about 40 pounds, and 1 cup twice daily for dogs weighing 20 pounds or less.
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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