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Rex to the Rescue — It’s a Dog’s Life
You see, sometimes in life, the best thing for all that ails you has fur and four legs. ~ Mark J. Asher, All That Ails You: The Adventures of a Canine Caregiver
Once, when I was practicing clinical psychology, I had a young client named Katie. She was a typical six-year-old — cute, curious, and full of energy. Katie loved Barbies, Disney movies, and playing outside.
Her mother was seeking counseling for her because she had recently been through a traumatic experience during which she was almost abducted. Katie was grabbed by a stranger, but just as he was attempting to shove her into his car, he was scared off by her brothers.
Understandably, after the incident, Katie was terrified of going outside.
For several weeks, she and I engaged in exercises consistent with standard play therapy, as she gradually opened up to me about her life and fears.
She told me about her older brothers, who were typical boys with all their various antics and associated cooties. She told me about her room and favorite books. She told me about ice cream, which she loved, and broccoli, which she did not. And she told me about Rex, the beloved family dog and a gentle giant who didn’t seem to realize…
