Lily is changing lives one lick at a time

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Two-year-old Lily is changing the way people think when it comes to Pit Bulls. Lily is a Pit Bull ambassador and therapy dog in The Woodlands with a charismatic presence, sweet face, and alluring personality. She is a role model dog who raises awareness along with people's spirits.

Lily was unwanted and abandoned by her owners because of her markings as a puppy. She was surrendered to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter and in June of 2011 Lily was rescued by her wonderful family and she has been changing lives ever since.

In March 2012 she was registered with Pet Partners as a therapy dog. Pet Partners is experienced in training pets and volunteers for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other facilities. Pet Partners is more extensive than other programs by going above and beyond to guarantee that “both ends of the leash” are well equipped to partake in animal assisted activities.

Lily’s handler explained that Pet Partners therapy dog registration consists of two parts, the skills test and the aptitude test. “The skills test tests whether the dog can be controlled by the handler and follow basic commands.” This includes basic obedience, meeting strangers, walking through crowds, reactions to loud distracting noises, and reacting neutrally to another dog. “The aptitude test stimulates conditions that may be encountered during a therapy visit." This includes awkward petting, reacting to hugs and certain gestures and movements, angry yelling, being crowded, ignoring food, and being surrounded by unfamiliar objects such as a wheelchair.

Every Friday since the beginning of February, Lily has visited the seniors who live at The Village at The Woodlands Waterway. Lily interacts with the residents and has become a part of their environment bringing smiles to countless faces. Lily goes on bedside visits and makes breakfast a little brighter with her patty cake trick. Yes, Lily can do patty cake!

“The most rewarding aspect of doing animal assisted therapy is helping another person and bringing joy and happiness to their life in what may be an unconventional way, depending on their situation in life,” said Lily’s handler. It brings her handler happiness to share her love of dogs and Lily with others. “It is very rewarding to be able to do something seemingly insignificant and seeing the incredible impact”.

In November 2012, Lily was deemed a canine cast member with Dogs of Character. Each dog in the cast of Dogs of Character has an important message for children. Lily’s story of rejection, discrimination, and stereotypes teaches important values and the importance of understanding others. Lily’s mission is simple, “never judge a book by its cover." Lily has visited many schools, teaching children never to judge based on stereotypes and to have compassion for her breed. “Animals do not see disabilities; they do not see race, wealth or the physical condition of another,” said Lily's handler.

Lily has changed many lives and opinions with her visits. “They do not care that she is a Pit Bull…she is just a loving dog that makes them happy and brightens their day,” says her handler. One of the ladies that she visits at The Village enjoys Lily’s visits so much that she began a fan club for Lily.

You can follow Lily’s blog, “Canine Musings by Lily, Pit Bull Ambassador & Therapy Dog” on Woodlands Online and follow her Facebook page.

Lily’s mission is certainly not a small one, but she has already taken many steps in the right direction. Lily and her handler are actively pursuing their dream of improving the public’s view of Pit Bulls, one of America’s most misunderstood, misjudged, and mistreated dogs. So remember, “never judge a book by its cover,” because you never know what you could learn by looking inside.