Even while BRAD’s canines are learning to be service dogs, they in turn are teaching a group of at-risk students from the new Dominion Alternative School in Manassas, Virginia. As a new and innovative program, the PWCPS Education Foundation funded the project in 2003 and 2004. We are happy to report that due to the generous support from the Banfield Charitable Trust and the Gannett Foundation, “Going to the Dogs” will be funded again this school year. The teens will be able to continue to participate in this very successful service learning partnership. BRAD’s Executive Director Lydia Wade-Driver refers to this collaborative effort as “Exciting Possibilities,” but the students just call it fun!

These students have issues with self-esteem, compassion, anger management, attendance and writing skills. By participating in many hands-on activities with the dogs, including grooming, teaching basic commands, caring for their environment and learning about animal behavior, they begin to address their issues and see the value of improvement. The students keep a daily journal of their training experiences, allowing them to see the dogs’ progress as well as their own.

By working and bonding with the dogs, the students gain self-respect, responsibility and the joy of accomplishment as they see the dogs grow towards being about to help someone in need, and BRAD dogs gain new friends.