A Grieving Child + a St.Bernard = a Unique Workshop for Grieving Kids

Grieving kids, especially those who have lost a parent or other loved one to death, face many changes in their little worlds.

They often feel out of control, unsafe and insecure as well as incompetent in even their basic life skills. Expressing their grief becomes even more complicated when their vocabulary and communication skills are limited by their age and other childhood issues.

It’s sometimes challenging knowing how to help...

Enter, Bernie!

Pet Therapy BERNIE aka Bernice!

Bernie: a gentle, deaf St. Bernard pet therapy dog who has worked with grieving kids, stroke patients, and all sort of other folks needing comfort. Lately, families in shelters after the Calgary flood of 2013 discovered the comfort of with this large sweet-spirited dog.

S0, what is it about the dog/human connection which could make Bernie and a grieving child the perfect fit?

Studies at the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine have proven that our levels of oxytocin, the “feel good” hormone, are increased when we interact with animals. Just being with Bernie will help grieving kids feel better.

It will also lower their blood pressure, diminish the 'fight or flight' response which is common with the trauma related to the death of a loved one, and lower their adrenalin and arousal levels.

Learning to speak with Bernie in a new language, hand signals, could enhance a grieving child’s sense of mastery and accomplishment, increase their self-confidence, and may encourage a greater sense of control over their environment.

BEST OF ALL, it will facilitate that #1 activity by which kids process grief – PLAY!

I love the whole idea. So, that’s why Bernie’s “Mama” Angela Blenkhorne and I have developed a unique, kids’ grief workshop Bernie’s BuddiesKids’ Grief Workshop.

We would love to have kids from 5-12 years old join us, for three evenings in November, to spend time with Bernie, do yoga with Angela, and grief-related crafts with me. There is more information about the workshop and registration at Bernie’s Adventures website.

In the meantime, what’s been your experience with an animal that has brought you comfort, or joy, or whatever else it is that you needed? I would enjoy sharing your story - I know it will touch and comfort others.