Delta Society Beyond Limits Awards - Monica Payson & Marley

MONICA PAYSON, Seattle, WA and her partner, 7-year-old Marley, a Bullmastiff, are one of five finalist teams for the Delta Society's 2007 Beyond Limits Award as Pet Partners Team of the Year. They visit in a number of challenging environments. With the trust and communication between Monica and the large, powerful Marley setting the tone, they began making a difference in the lives of abused and emotionally disturbed children aged 3-18. These children are often in residential treatment settings, and they are usually behaviorally and emotionally unpredictable, facing challenges such as ADD and ADHD as well. Monica and Marley help the children learn impulse control and respect for boundaries, as they provide a positive model of non-coercive interaction. They have had many major breakthroughs with previously unreachable youngsters. Three years ago, Monica and Marley were part of a pilot program in the King County Prosecutor's office to help interview child assault victims. The study led to the Prosecutor's office eventually adopting their own dog for that purpose. Two years later, Marley became the first dog in the Washington State Critical Incident Stress Management Network, and will be among the first responders to future disasters. To vote for any of the five finalists, log on to www.deltasociety.org before November 5. Videos of all five finalists (Sarah Allen, Maggie Crawford, Connie Gates, Monica Payson, Karla Rose) can be viewed on YouTube.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Delta
• therapy dog
• poodle
• bullmastiff
• golden
• retriever
• cavalier
• gates
• allen
• payson
• crawford
• rose

[xx1980CAMAROxx]

Monica, you have such a big heart. Your wonderful!

[rvborgh]

Monica and I were childhood friends when we were like 6 years old back when we were overseas. Its just great that she is doing this kind stuff... very encouraging. Way to go Monica!

[tinyctlo]

He's very handsom.