Sometimes he is an angel or a doctor, and at other times Superman or Santa Claus. But to the students and patients he interacts with, Ben the therapy dog is always a comforting presence.
This 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel visits elementary schools and hospitals throughout Owensboro with his owner, Bonnie Nance. Their goal: bring joy to everyone they encounter. How they do it: costumes, cuteness and comfort.
“It’s the healing power of touch,” says Bonnie, 56, a retired pet photographer. “If he can lighten their load for just a moment and help them forget their illness or their pain . . . that’s why we do this.”
In hospitals, Ben wears a doctor costume and cuddles right up to elderly patients, their weathered fingers combing through his fur as they recount memories of their own pets.
In elementary schools, he sits patiently as children crowd around and talk about the prisoner costume he wears for Halloween. But he is there for more than love and attention.
“Ben has really been an inspiration for reluctant readers,” says Brenda Walker, a guidance counselor at Country Heights Elementary School. Ben lies next to children who are special needs or hearing impaired to listen non-judgmentally as they read their favorite books aloud.
Rigorously trained to not bite, lick or jump, Ben’s gentleness is rewarded after each interaction with a tasty treat.
Except for dispensing treats, Bonnie stays on the sidelines. Although she provides supportive words to students and patients, she wants Ben to get all the attention.
“As a young girl, I had trouble reading, so kids made fun of me, and I became incredibly shy,” Bonnie says. “Having a therapy dog like Ben would have really helped me. And if it weren’t for him now, I wouldn’t do any of this. A lot of the people don’t know my name, but they know Ben’s. I’m just the driver.”
