The Heart of My Community by Ava

The Heart of My Community by Ava - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

I’ve always loved being around animals and caring for them. Recently, I’ve learned that I want to help people feel more loved and cared for too. At the beginning of my high school career, I wanted to become more involved in my community and become a better version of myself by improving my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. By being part of 4-H, I was already training my dog in obedience and agility classes. Early on, I noticed he was a social butterfly around humans! So, why not put our training to use by benefiting our lives and other people’s lives? Being a therapy dog handler taught me an exceptional amount and I’m so ecstatic and proud of the effect I’ve had on my community over the past few years.
For one, I’ve been able to aid people with the resources that I have. I don’t need to spend money or put on a fake smile. Everybody wants to help others, but working up the courage and finding the time is the most arduous part. So for me in this situation, I use my best friend: my dog. I met Drake in 2012 as a surprise. Drake had always been a calm dog who had more interest in people than other dogs. So one day when he was old enough, I had the marvelous idea of getting him certified to perform pet therapy. He was required to pass a test with specific criteria. I knew he would fit the job description without fail and took on the responsibility of having him tested as soon as I could after COVID started which put a delay on us. I worked with him every day without fail for about a year. He struggled a great deal with taking a treat gently from my hand, but we worked through it together and he improved immensely.
He did amazing during the test and passed with flying colors, which was expected. After that, it was all too easy to start helping people. I started bringing Drake to hospitals and retirement homes to visit patients and the elderly in our community. Everyone adored him. In the hospitals, I learned that the staff needed Drake even more than the patients after everything they experienced due to COVID. The staff started bringing treats to work and were thrilled to see him. Once we arrived at the hospital, the news that Drake was there spread like wildfire. Drake would find friends on every floor of the building. At the retirement home, he would let all the people pet him and was very patient with them all. I also brought him to libraries so kids could read to him, which he greatly enjoyed because the kids would obtain confidence when reading to him and the parents would pet him for the whole time. He enjoyed it and still does immensely.
I chose pet therapy since Drake loves people and our community had a tremendous need for it lately. Interacting with a friendly pet can help with many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state. Hugging and speaking with a pet who won't judge you for your feelings or thoughts is cathartic and helps people push through rough times. Pets also reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, giving people a reason to arise in the morning. After the pandemic, I had the impression that we could help out with the mental health situation in our town. People need to know that life isn’t always unpleasant and to help them look forward to something positive!
I will apply this to the next stage of my life by using what I’ve learned from Drake to help the people around me in college or the new town I live in sometime in the future. When we're facing despair, loneliness, chronic health issues, depression, addictions, or anything beyond our ability to cope, a pet can help people bounce back and find a new light to push them to be the best they can be.
In conclusion, pet therapy allows me to connect with my community and the people who fabricate it and bring the best out of me. I will use what Drake has taught me and will continue to apply to my life and my future. These skills will make a difference because they are very important to society and are needed for our country to thrive. In the future, I will strive to have a positive impact on the world and communities around me. I believe that these qualities are crucial in making a difference. I have shared the great gift of love with Drake, and that gift has a place in my heart and now in my community's heart as well.