Community Elvis Is in the Building!

By Matthew Ayer

His business card says, “He’s a lover, not a fighter. Elvis is at your service.” This 5-year-old, 8.5 pound Yorkie Poo, a certified therapy dog, makes his rounds at Mariemont Elementary School, Bethesda North Hospital, and a host of other venues. His job description is simple: Greet everyone. Bring joy.

Mariemont resident Karen Kennedy trains and handles Elvis as a Certified Therapy Dog. She describes her role: “Assess each situation to make the experience memorable.” This dynamic duo delivers on both counts as demonstrated in a recent interview and as described by Mariemont Elementary Counselor Suzanne Lehman. “Karen and Elvis have been partnering with us since last year! Elvis and Karen are very approachable -- which is crucial for students who might be shy, experienced trauma or even afraid of dogs. Elvis always brings smiles to the students' faces and they love getting to see if he has any new tricks. Karen is so engaging with our students and really gets to know them during their visits. We are so lucky to partner with such a great duo!!” On school visits, Karen provides each child with an Elvisthemed card, sticker, toy, or other memento.

Karen’s journey in this partnership began around 35 years ago with a beloved companion, Little Toot, a Shih Tzu who accompanied her in volunteering with Camp Stepping Stones and with Deaconess Hospital’s psychiatric therapy ward. She recognized this furry friend’s ability to draw people out, to open up their hearts, and to experience joy.

Another step was her 14-year love for Molly Moo Moo, a Golden Doodle who became a central character in Karen partnering with a professional illustrator to author three children’s books: Don’t Step on the Ants, with a theme of teaching kindness to those most vulnerable; Moo Moo Waits to Play Ball, a lesson on patience; and The Sorry Situation, a guide to making an empathic and heartfelt apology. Each is available on Amazon and is highly recommended by this reporter (who has shared them with his grandchildren).

After a lesson on kindness for even the smallest living things, Karen had observed her young daughter Tammi skipping home from school, carefully avoiding the tiniest creatures, including ants. Many years later, Tammi sent her mom a card from college, “Thank you for teaching me to not step on the ants.” This theme inspired Karen to begin a book writing journey, a large undertaking that went dormant for a few years and many iterations and learning to work with an illustrator. cont'd on next page

With experience and confidence, Karen wrote her second book much more quickly. Then, her 12-year-old granddaughter, Faith, co-authored her third book with characters, story lines, and great adjectives and expressions.

In 2019 a Yorkie Poo pup picked Karen as he immediately ran to her in a mutual “love at first sight” moment. A big white curl atop his head cinched his name.

Elvis Is in the Building (from previous page)

After obedience training and learning basic commands, Karen ensured that Elvis was socialized by participating in day care one to two times per week. She then pursued training and evaluations with Elvis to become a certified handler through a Therapy Animal Program, Pet Partners.

In this comprehensive program, the handler must follow policies and procedures that include Elvis remaining on leash as she interacts with him; supports him as needed; cues or redirects him gently and effectively without force or coercion; guides interactions in a polite, professional manner; interacts with those she visits while simultaneously tending to Elvis; and anticipates Elvis’s response in different situations, always setting him up for success. Karen advised that not any dog can be trained, as the most important prerequisite is an innate love for people.

This description is no substitute for a personal Elvis/Karen encounter. Her star pupil’s tail wags, he greets you with a hug with his paws, has no shortage of gentle licks and performs fun tricks, all under Karen’s careful handling. Her joyful, effusive and nurturing personality is equally powerful in the encounter. Watch for Karen walking in the Village with Elvis in his stroller and if you get the chance, treat yourself to the “Elvis experience.”

Karen sees new possibilities in everyday life and has two or three kids’ books percolating and sees near endless possibilities and a host of values to instill in our youngest readers.

Karen is happy to share information about the animal therapy program and can be reached at kennedy.karen10@gmail.com.