This is a letter I received from Linda Rappaport; one of the writers for Mastiff Club of America Journal. She writes to us about the important role her Tamarack Mastiff plays in children's mental health therapy.

I don't know how much you know about dogs in therapy, or the actual process of therapy with children. But assuming this is not a major interest, and since I think Mastiffs could do important work in this field, I thought you might like a little background. Mentally ill children will often tell "stories" in therapy, to which one responds with therapeutic comments, or even other stories. Sometimes the child will use dolls and speak for some, while the therapist speaks for others. The intention is always to help the child heal: by re-working old injuries through discussion, and the child symbolically triumphing over them; by increasing self-esteem: and by talking about conflicts and learning new behaviors. Mentally ill children can be unpredictable, and suddenly scream or make loud noises, or quick movements. Sometimes, very ill children will not speak with, or interact with people at all, or will do so only with rage because of the damage they have suffered. Yet, they may find a dog appealing. But, if the dog is to do more than tricks, or simply be petted, the dog must be very secure, stable, and have a real concept of "work". While the therapist has rules for sessions, and assures that the dog is not hurt, these are sometimes not likable, pleasant, "normal" children in any sense, and the children's mental health therapy dog faces real challenges.





TAMARACK ANTIGONE.... "TIGGIE"

A Tribute to Mastiff Style;
Good Temperament, Therapy and Goodwill

by Linda Rappaport

Tiggie has now become a L.A. Times "media star", having been in today's paper!

I think this is a tribute to her fabulous personality and winning ways. Of course, people also remark on her beauty. She is a well-known Laguna Beach (beach) Girl, as we have her there every weekend, and often during the week. She is also known for her fastidious dinning habits, in the outdoor cafes, and for her fine social skills.

Tiggie spends quite a bit of time at work with me, and I think she has unusual abilities as a therapist, She is simply wonderful with children, and seems to sense when a child is in pain: they in turn look to her for support. One day when I had her on a long stay, ready to leave for lunch, someone brought in a "non-verbal" child, who had been severely abused, and was very depressed. He went immediately to Tiggie, hugged her, and after a time began to talk to her. I started by telling him a story about Mastiffs: talking about her strength, lifting her paws, pointing out her strong teeth, and saying that she was a "war dog", who could take care of any enemies, and never allowed anyone to be hurt by bad people, Feeling secure, he then began to tell her his story, he spent over 40 minutes talking to her, while she would occasionally seem to encourage him with a gentle nuzzle. He then fell asleep with his head resting on her. This was shortly before her lunch time walk. I stayed there while this was happening, and took notes. The other therapists in the room were equally amazed.

Some how, I cannot think this is behavior typical of a year old puppy. If anyone asks you about what Mastiff temperament should be, just tell them about "Tiggie".

P.S. With this special ability, Tiggie remains a good guard dog at home. She changes her behavior according to where she is... I am increasingly amazed at what Tiggie can do.

  

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