Just have to share this story since this subject came up. I work with Special Ed (emotional disorders) & Hank goes to work with me. One day a week is "Dog Day." Part of this time is spent teaching tricks to Hank. We had one young man who would not participate, but since no one else could teach Hank to "go to sleep," (Hank really resisted this) "Johnny" stepped up to the challenge. He was always stepping up to the impossible -- not very effectively at that. He was as angry and frustrated as any child we have had in our middle school program. He was sometimes violent, always verbally abuse to his peers and most staff. And yet: He taught Hank to "go to sleep" by gently rubbing Hank's tummy and ever so softly saying, "Hank, head down... head down." For a brief time every week, this young man found tenderness and trust... The memory of the two of them together is dear. Hank & Johnny developed quite a bond over the months he was with us. Johnny eventually learned to regulate his periods of frustration by asking for Hank to be with him. More than afew hours were spent with the two of them literally curled up together under Johnny's desk. Johnny ended up in a day treatment facility, but recently was admitted into high school. I only hope those times with a dog - a Berner - will stay with him. They do for Hank and I: I still use this command when we are listening to students read. Some "trick" me thinks. Jeanne
