KEEN Los Angeles

Sarah Jane and her golden retriever Bailey had a great time!

In May 2011, New Leash on Life’s Lend a Paw program partnered with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) Los Angeles for a play session with children who have developmental and physical disabilities.  Three Pet Therapy teams joined the festivities: Lend a Paw coordinator Sharon brought her black lab Gabi, fellow handler Lisa brought her long-haired Akita Ash, and Sarah Jane, the LAP Leader for this site, brought her golden retriever Bailey.  It turned out to be an amazingly fun day for everyone involved. 

Lisa and Ash went down the slides with the children.

KEEN is a national, non-profit, volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.
Over the course of the visit, the children’s confidence levels sky-rocketed;  Several children were petrified of the dogs when they first arrived, so the Lend A Paw teams tried to build their confidence in different ways.  They asked if they wanted to take the dogs for a walk, and when one would grab the end of the leash, another

would want to get involved and also take part of
the leash.  That way, the LAP handler and often
times two children, would walk the dog up and down ramps and stairs.  Having a big dog follow the kids and respond to their requests to “sit” or “shake” gave them an ego boost.  Having them brush the dogs also allowed them to get close and learn that the dogs would not react negatively to their presence.  The absolute cherry on the top was to see these kids engulf the dogs in hugs.  So much love!
More highlights:
·        Watching the dogs go down slides with the kids. Bailey, Gabi and Ash surprised everyone with their great enthusiasm for tackling all the slides on the playground.
·         Seeing a little boy’s beaming face when he was asked if he wanted to ride horsey on Bailey’s back.  He enjoyed it so much he did it twice.
·         Hearing the kids describe what they did that day that made them proud… and some of them said “played with the dogs.”  The Lend A Paw teams made a difference!!

For the months of June, July and August, the kids went swimming and the therapy dogs skipped the pool sessions (much to Gabi and Bailey’s dismay!) They are now returning to the Elysian Therapeutic Center for some outdoor fun and the Lend A paw teams are invited once again. Below are the upcoming KEEN event times. 

KEEN Sports at Elysian Therapeutic Center
929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sharon and Gabi helped the children build their confidence level.

      Volunteers keep the kids company as they move among the different activities including Frisbee, tag,


soccer, arts & crafts, basketball, jungle gym, swings, sand box, baseball, etc.  Volunteers arrive at 10:30 am and the youth participants arrive at 11:00 am.  Play continues until about 12:30 pm.

·         Sunday, Sept. 11th
·         Sunday, Sept. 18th
·         Sunday, Oct. 2nd
·         Sunday, Oct. 30th

Please consider volunteering at least once.  Your presence would mean so much to these kids. To RSVP for these visits, contact Sarah Jane, the Leader of this site.

Story and Photography courtesy of Sarah Jane Chelin.