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From: Kelly
Date: 08 Oct 2007
Time: 23:38:06 -0500
Remote Name: 24.180.168.220
Dr. Shapiro, What an inspiring and perspective shaping paper! Although I am not a person who stutters, I have recently had to reevaluate my personal perspectives on life due to life-altering news, and your writing truly spoke to me. I also believe that we do not need some life-altering event to occur before one should take a moment to discover what really matters in life. I was also touched by your account of Buddy and the important role your dog played in your life, along with your grandfather. Many people are aware of the strong human-animal bond that exists and of its potential benefits. I know of programs that use therapy dogs as reading buddies for young children to encourage them improve upon their literacy skills. Do you know of any research and/or programs that have incorporated therapy dogs into stuttering therapy? Do you feel using a therapy animal would minimize a child's anxiety when communicating, and could it potentially be a beneficial therapy for some people who stutter? Thank you, again, for sharing story.