An uncle in SC sent me an article about this program. The Healing Species (http://www.healingspecies.com/) which provides an interesting variation on our own goals. Here is their mission statement:

The mission of the Healing Species is to intercept crime and violence by reaching children with our innovative, successful, and unique 11-week violence intervention curriculum. Rescued dogs - dogs nobody else wanted - assist us in teaching children:

* life-lessons in respect for the feelings of others,
* gaining power and authority from principles and acts of mercy and compassion instead of from bullying or "violence for violence,"
* age-appropriate awareness on abuse and how to get help and that what happens to us does not have to define us.
* methods for conflict resolution,
* self-esteem from developing responsibility, and
* how to take the initiative to create a more compassionate planet.

Maybe UAN/HEAR and Healing Species should put each other on their websites' Links sections?

Good to know good works are happening nationwide.

Hi Amy,

Thank you for posting about this great program! Healing Species sounds like it is a program really doing great things for children and animals. I would be interested to learn more about how these animals are prepared to participate in this program. I am so glad that animals are being saved and helping educate children.

While Healing Species is different than our Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) program, the message of kindness and compassion seems consistent.
Visit www.uan.org/hear for more information about the HEAR program.

Like you, I am thankful that there are other programs teaching compassion and respect for others.

-Karly