Needs Clearing House Shines Light on “Hug a Hound” Who Pair Autistic Kids with Rescue/Therapy Dogs

Joe Kaliko of Needs Clearing house received a request for help from two women in Bridgeport who are looking for help raising $1,500 for a program they are running called “Hug a Hound.”

Hug a Hound works by pairing autistic children with rescue dogs trained to be therapy dogs.

“The children make bandannas for the dogs and learn about the care and handling of animals, which is wonderful for both the kids and the dogs,” Kaliko said. “Children who did not speak and had other difficulties, have come out of their shells or otherwise improved with the contact.”

Kaliko said the program pilot has gone very well and the ladies are hoping to expand the program.  “They take no money for themselves and are seeking the funds for supplies and other program expenses, such as transportation and food,” they said.

“My friend Dulce Nieves volunteers in the court system helping children,” Kaliko said of one of the two running the Hug a Hound program. Nieves is a former Housing Commissioner in Bridgeport. “She’s a real hero in the community.”

Kaliko intends to support the Hug a Hound effort through the Needs Clearing House and said contributions in any amount would be welcomed. Contact Kaliko through Needs Clearing House to help. http://www.theneedsclearinghouse.org/contact.html