New Beginnings

First, let me introduce myself. I am Kevin Harkness. Third son of Kristen and Jeremy Harkness and faithful canine companion to my human brothers Jake and Garrett. I was adopted by my human family when I was pretty young. The first little bit of my life I lived in New Mexico on a Native American Reservation. I loved being able to run freely on the tribal land, and had many people to meet and love. While this life was all I knew, the time came when I was ready to find a home and family all my own. Moving to Littleton, Colorado was a really big change at the time - It is silly to think of now, but I had never been in a car, house, or anywhere but outside. Change can be scary but I followed my heart and have never looked back.

I almost forgot to tell you something really important, in fact it is the reason I started this whole blogging thing! I worked really, really hard with my handler (I call her mom) to become a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and in my case, a school named Dutch Creek Elementary. My very first day there started much like the day I left the reservation for my new life as a pet - I was nervous but knew I needed to trust the universe and be brave!

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s own wings. Always believe in yourself” – Unknown

Looking back on that day, I can see how wonderful and powerful it was, but the drive to school for the first time was pretty nerve wracking. I know I love kids and love making people smile, but I had never been to a school before. I had overheard EVERYONE in my house talking about school. My own human brothers go to school but sometimes they come home and say it is boring...what If I think it is boring too or, even worse, don't like it at all? What if people notice I am different from everyone else (it is hard to blend in with students when you have black fur, paws and a tail)... what if no one wants to eat lunch with me… or, I really miss home?

As we drove though neighborhoods and over the hogback and winding roads on the way to school, butterflies danced in my tummy and I panted a little faster than the beat of the car radio.The familiar fragrance of the fire logs at home, mom’s favorite tea, and my own favorite smell, Jake’s dirty socks, began to fade. As we pulled up to school I felt a little overwhelmed. I've been waiting for this day for months but... I AM NERVOUS and, though I LOVE people, I can be a little shy at first…what if others don’t understand me or want to be my friend? I am a dog, ya know?

Even though she tried to hide it, as she drove me to work, I could tell mom was a little nervous too. "This will be new but you will do great Kevin... remember to be polite and greet new friends...it is normal to be a little nervous... did I tell you how great you will do?" Mom's endless chatter continued right until we hit the parking lot.at school. Just as doubt began to seep into my mind, I gave myself some positive self talk, just like mom had always taught me. I know I am ready....my whole family says I will be a really wonderful therapy dog. My friends have told me this is my calling.

Mom turned off the car ignition, the radio silenced, and mom grabbed my leash. She opened my car door, gently held my face in her hands like she did the first time we left the reservation.

Then, silence                                                

            one last head rub.                                                    

...one more sweet moment alone with just mom.

How does she always know exactly what I need? Man, I love humans!

She looked me straight in the eyes and reassured me in a way only YOUR human can. "Kevin, you've got this buddy! Dutch Creek is a great place."

"And suddenly you KNOW, it's time to trust something NEW and start the magic of beginnings." - Meister Eckhert

I am sooo excited to live my next chapter at Dutch Creek (and I hope you will read each one on my blogs)! Change can be scary, but what is even more frightening? Thinking about what we might miss if we don’t try something new.

I’m Kevin Harkness, brave and loyal companion, canine friend, therapy dog, blogger, and the newest proud member of the Dutch Creek CREW …MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, ONE WAG AT A TIME!