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Posted on Sun, Apr. 14, 2002 | |
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Dog gone but not forgotten
But the specially-trained Golden retriever, who died late last month on his way home from Bryson Elementary School, will always be remembered for his loyalty and good nature.
Ted's owner and friend, long-time special education teacher Carolyn Walsh or "dear Walsh" to children and their parents, said Ted touched many lives.
`It's hard to know Ted isn't here anymore," she said.
Walsh and her Golden companion will be recognized at the school board meeting, 7 p.m. Monday at the administration building, 1200 Old Decatur Road.
Walsh will receive a special plaque from a former student, Joshua Davis The child is autistic and uses a walker.
His grandmother, Anne Davis recalled that Joshua was always happy and enthusiastic when Ted was around.
Davis described how her grandson saw Ted on Valentine's Day, and left his walker to say hello to the dog.
"He was an unbelievable dog; Ted just lay there and let the kids play with his ears and tail," she said.
Ted will never be replaced, but Walsh now has a new puppy, Harry Tee who will carry on Ted's work of helping children with special needs when he is old enough to be trained.
Harry Tennison, a Fort Worth benefactor known for bringing endangered Black Rhinos to North Texas, brought the six-week-old puppy to Walsh April 10, which would have been Ted's 11th birthday.
Tennison said he read about Ted's amazing work with children and became a mentor for Walsh's disabled students.
"I'll never forget how Ted just accepted the children and gave them as much love as they gave him," he said. Tennison said he couldn't stand the thought of Walsh without a dog in her classroom.
Harry Tee slept peacefully recently as Walsh worked with her students, helping them play with toys and reading them stories. Walsh said she plans to train Harry Tee to be a therapy dog like Ted.
"The new puppy is fantastic; I never expected this," she said of Tennison's gift. "He has big shoes to fill."
Walsh said she discovered Ted's unique ability to calm and comfort children when the dog was nine months old. Several toddlers were playing with Ted's ears and bouncing up and down on the dog.
"I thought, why not bring Ted to school to be with my kids," Walsh said.
She researched the characteristics of Golden retrievers and found that they are calm, patient and loyal. Walsh said Ted was especially suited to help children who were upset or bored in class.
If a child refused to share blocks, Walsh told the child to share with Ted. In another case, a girl didn't want to write her name. Walsh said she put a pencil in Ted's paw and made the motions of writing.
"The children thought if Ted can do this, so can I," Walsh said.
Meanwhile, Ted affected the lives of students, parents and teachers outside Walsh's classroom.
First-graders at Bryson wrote sympathy cards, and Walsh said her classroom looked like a florist's shop.
"I think people are drawn to the dogs because of their loyal disposition. They are eager to please, and they are so bright." Elizabeth Campbell, (817) 390-7696 |
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