Honouring a Hero – Danni Bear Beanz
She helped children feel loved, understood and protected. She created goofy moments and inspired awe and admiration. Danni was huge physically, weighing in at over 70kgs, but her Danni-ness was even larger than her furry body. She could persuade a stranger to become a friend with just one glance of her soulful eyes. She could give comfort just by lying at your feet. Danni served children with joy and pride.
In December 2021 Danni passed away in her human mommy’s arms.
We know that in heaven Danni has no more pain. She can finally catch up with the moles and hadedas that evaded her on earth and she can nibble on as many snacks as she wants. She is at peace, but we are left with a vast gap in our lives. We miss hearing her breathing, we miss the solidity of her body, we miss touching her fur and looking into her eyes. We miss her reassuring Danni-ness.
Rest gently Dannie Bear. You are no longer with us, but the paw prints you left in the hearts of many, will always remain.
The Value of Dogs in Therapy
The value of dogs in therapy: Often children who have experienced trauma and abuse may feel labeled or different from others, ashamed or undervalued because of their experiences. Animals create opportunities for children to connect and feel valued without anything being expected of them in return. No words are necessary, and it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have been through, a dog will accept you unconditionally. Children can show love to an animal, or play with it and get positive feedback from the animal. Dogs in particular, as they are so intuitive, can also help therapists understand children better and thus be able to tailor more effective therapeutic plan for the child. Children may also project some of their own feelings or thoughts on to the animal, thereby giving us clues as to how they may be feeling e.g. Danni is feeling very sad today. Danni has become an integral part of the Jelly Beanz family.
Young Friends
One day when Danni was still a puppy, she went on her morning walk and came across a young boy who had been bumped over by a bus. He was sitting on the side of the road, dazed and disoriented. Of her own accord, Danni ran up to the boy and lay down next to him, putting her head gently on his legs and looking at him. The boy started to stroke her, and the more he stroked the calmer he became and was able to focus again on his surroundings. It was not too long before Danni and the boy were jumping and laughing together. These two strangers connected and needed no words, yet the little boy departed having been enriched by the intense comfort and positive attention that Danni shared.
Safe And Brave
Danni participated in an assembly at a school, where conversations regarding body safety were held. Afterward a little girl went to her teacher and told her that she needed to “share a secret with the dog and her mom.” She then shared that she had been sexually abused, and that Danni’s presence helped her feel safe and brave.
All Ears
One of the teenagers we are working with recently had a life changing experience with Danni. He asked her to sit, which she did, and he became quiet. He turned to his therapist with amazement on his face and said – “This is the first time that anyone has ever listened to me in my whole life”.