Animal Assistance
When constructing a building, it is an accepted fact that without a firm foundation, the structure will collapse. The foundation for your son's change hinges on his learning environment. The Animal Assistance Program provides a learning environment where your son will receive unconditional acceptance and love. Animals ignite warmth in even the most withdrawn boy, putting him at ease and increasing his willingness to reach out and take risks without fear. Your son will learn about proper care, handling, feeding and health care of animals. He will also learn to have compassion, gentleness and respect for animals, other people and himself. Additionally he will learn to control his aggression, curb his tempers and acquire gentility. For some of the youth, it may be the first time they have experienced a healthy relationship with another living being.
Tipton Academy is affiliated with Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES, Inc) located in Concordia, Kansas. The Tipton Academy in partnership with CARES assigns puppies to voluntary youth handlers. The puppies are taught basic obedience and socialization skills. Upon release from the Tipton Academy, the puppies return to CARES to learn specialized skills. Once these skills are mastered, the puppies are placed with physically challenged individuals to assist with their personal needs. The puppies as well as the handlers receive training prior to placement. The dogs used in the program are licensed as service dogs. As such, these dogs are in compliance with KAR rules which allow them to be with their handlers at all times. This allows for the animal to positively impact the overall learning environment of the facility. It is virtually impossible to walk a puppy around without its calming presence easing tensions and allowing for learning to take place.
