Kids & Rescue Dogs Heal Together

0:00It's March 10th. Here's your Durham news in two minutes. Bark and Heel brings together kids from Alexander Youth Network's transition house and rescue dogs in need of homes. These kids have finished treatment at a residential psychiatric center and now build life skills before heading back to families or foster care. Rescue pup Sonny, an eight-month-old from Billy's buddy's animal rescue, joins them every Wednesday evening for training and playtime. The program fits into the neuro-sequential model of therapy, which tailors healing from trauma through activities like play. Local nonprofits teamed up because kids face a mental health crisis, North Carolina has two few foster homes and shelters are packed with dogs. Waiting for adoption. Staff say watching kids and dogs heal together is powerful. The dogs offer unconditional love and calm, which helps children with past traumas feel supported. Some families even adopt dogs after their kids finish the program. Sonny stands out as a quick learner who's gentle with the kids, making her perfect for

1:01this. The group teaches her tricks to boost her adoption chances while she serves as the program's main dog. When Sonny finds her forever home, the kids lead a special graduation with a new family, passing the leash in a ceremony full of drawings and skills. Demos. For now, these weekly sessions keep building bonds on both ends. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Link in the description. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com