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Circle of Life provides world class Labrador retriever
pups to assistance dogs organizations, make placements of Labrador retriever
pups to families who have a child with developmental or emotional challenges
and offer canine therapy sessions for special needs children with one
of our own loving Labrador retrievers.
In all of our endeavors the goal is this - to help the child by creating
meaningful interaction for him/her with the dog. Such interactions can
focus on improving social skills, communication skills or motor skills
or simply to help the child develop an emotional bond to a friend that
is non judgmental. Our overreaching goal is to help the child develop
a sense of confidence and accomplishment by interacting and working
with the dog.
The benefits of canine assisted therapy such as that provided by Circle
of Life are now well documented. Over twenty years ago Harvard entomologist
Edward Wilson coined the term “biophilia” to describe a
human’s love of living things. Since that time there have been
many books written on the subject of animal assisted therapy and the
positive impact that animals, specifically dogs, can have in our lives.
Circle of Life’s founder, Charlie
Petrizzo brings the perspective of someone who not only “knows”
dogs academically but has also experienced the healing power of a canine
companion. His teaching experience and academic achievement in the area
of canine behavior and training make him uniquely qualified to assist
families that want to know if their child can benefit from a service/therapy
dog placement or canine therapy sessions.
I wanted to share with you what my experiences have been since we received
our adorable North Star Chocolate Lab, who we named Spinner. In the
short 6 months that Spinner has lived with us, we have already seen
many positive changes in my son Alec who has autism.
I can honestly admit that I had no idea that
all of this could happen by having a dog enter into our lives. And we
are just getting started! The development for both Alec and Spinner
are just beginning and I look forward to watching them grow together.
Genuine thanks must be given to both Charlie and Sandy who have undertaken
this huge endeavor to help children with special needs. I applaud all
of their hard work, financial commitment and loving care that they provide
to their puppies and grown dogs. Thanks for changing the lives of one
little 9 year old boy and also his parents.
Maryann D
Charlotte, NC
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