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MLEC Photo Album
March 15th, 2002 Page 1 >
Mike, the Animal Assisted Therapy Dog, visits Child Care, photos by Marti McLean and Amy Cohen
Mike was born in Puerto Rico on approximately December 27th, 1998. He was found abandoned, rescued and brought to the United States. He was adopted from the Humane Society of Broward County on March 7th, 1999, at ten weeks of age. At one year old, he became an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog, visiting the sick and injured at various health care facilities in Miami-Dade County with his owner, John Lovell, the MLEC Radio Broadcasting Instructor.
When Mike makes a visit such as this, he is bathed prior to transport to the facility. At the facility, Mike is always kept on a leash, under the direct control of his handler. He is never allowed to run free. Mike is regularly checked by a veterinarian to assure his health.
Mike gets a pep talk from his Dad, John Lovell, the MLEC
Radio Broadcasting Instructor, before seeing the kids
The children are introduced to Mike
A word or two about animal safety is given
Never approach or touch a dog you don't know
Always ask the owner's permission before touching
Note the handler holding the dog's leash at the neck
Now everyone is ready to meet Mike, and Mike shows that he is ready too
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