Last Sunday, Paul & I traveled to Jefferson City, MO to meet Olive, who we first saw on an episode of the CBS show “Lucky Dog”. After connecting with her new owner Lisa, we were invited to meet with Olive and Lisa’s husband Danny and hear the rest of Olive’s story.
Lisa is a court appointed advocate with the CASA program, which represents children in the legal system who have been abused, neglected or found in unstable homes. Thanks to this unique program, each child in every new case, is provided with the independent voice of a CASA volunteer, sometimes speaking for them when no one else can.
Because of this role, she asked Lucky Dog expert animal trainer in LA, Brandon McMillan, find a rescued dog that could be trained to help her gain trust with these children and help in their struggles with anxiety and fear.
As you watch Olive’s episode link, you’ll see her road from being rescued off the streets of LA to therapy dog in Jefferson City, MO.
Today Olive, who is absolutely everything we imagined her to be, has gone way beyond all expectations-starting back in August of 2016. After arriving in MO, Lisa worked with Olive for 7 months to get her AKC Good Citizen and therapy dog certification. Lisa serves also as a mentor to children as Olive is there providing unconditional love, comfort and friendship.
Now, Olive goes to work daily with Lisa who is the office manager in a local law firm. Beyond their work with children in the courthouse, Lisa and Olive also visit their CASA children when requested, at school, during family meetings and wherever needed.
Olive has found her forever home and Lisa, who has a passion for helping children, has found a 10-pound partner with intuitive gifts and together they are making a real difference for children experiencing the hardest of times.