Licks of Love was developed to teach children responsibility, respect, safety, empathy, kindness, compassion anti-bullying and communication on a social and emotional level using rescued, rehabilitated working dogs. We believe using dogs when working on behavioral issues is less “risky” because they are non-judgmental and their love is unconditional. Using the dogs, children can learn to feel thei
r emotions without being rejected. These positive experiences build self-worth and confidence, which can carry over to their relationships with others. The dogs also serve as a real life representation of restorative justice. Many of them have been through horrific circumstances, which they have overcome and are now working to better our community. Hearing their stories reminds students that if we are able to overcome the past, change is possible. The courses offered were created with the intention of following the PBIS framework many school districts are using to teach students. We did this because it is a creative approach to teaching and offers opportunities for staff to incorporate project based learning. These courses not only help the dogs, but they help the students and the community as a whole. Licks of Love is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit.
