Overcoming

Through the Human-Animal Bond

By: Rhonda Langille

Many years ago I stuttered. All of my childhood memories included my speech impediment.  When I tried to speak a sentence that would normally take just a moment to say; it always took me at least 3 minutes to get it out. School was a problem, because the other children were not always kind. To end the teasing I decided to stop talking all together.

I started speech therapy classes two times per week, for five years and the problem persisted.  My speech therapist told my Mother that a puppy might help, because she knew I really liked animals. When I turned 12 my Mother and I went and bought a puppy from the local SPCA. It was love at first sight.  My Father named her Timi.  Timi grew quickly all the while getting into mischief. My Mom said I had to take her to obedience classes.  I knew I would have to talk so I didn’t want to go.

I accepted the challenge and faced my fear. At first I was nervous, but soon became very keen.   In the second class the instructor told me that my dog would never learn as he could not understand me.  I was told to speak clear. I was very upset, as I wanted to speak clear and I wanted my little Timi to learn.  The next week I came back and to everyone’s surprise I was speaking very clear giving clear commands and praising my dog just the way my instructor Paul told me to.  I was so happy!  My dog came first in the class.  I was so proud. Timi learned over 100 commands and 95 signals. We went on to perform in fairs and at children’s parties - both dressed as clowns.

After that I started to enjoy speaking and hardly ever stopped.  When I was 20 years old I joined Toastmasters where I learned public speaking. I started to speak at seminars and group talks on various subjects.  I also became a public speaking judge.

I have learned that we all have challenges, some we see, some we hear, and some we don't even know about.  But life is a beautiful gift and I am so thankful for my little dog Timi who gave me the confidence and determination to confront and overcome my problem.

If you have the same problem I had I hope my story will be one of encouragement. Don’t give up your breakthrough could be just around the corner.

Presentations

Building Community Collaboration & Consensus. 

Community Action Plans

Uncovering Local Assets

Community Building Links

• Angels Community Support Network

• Appreciating Differences Thru Colours

• Appreciative Inquiry & Community Development

• Canadian Community Leadership Network 

• Heartwood House - A Model Community

• Innovation Partners International (IPI)

• Mapping the Assets of Your Community

•  Pet Travel Information

• Road Signs Story Telling

• Simon Fraser University Centre for Sustainable Community Development

• The Asset-based Community Development Institute

• The Collaboratory for Community Support

• Tools For Change - Inclusion Press