Our favorite four legged friend is gone!

Last Friday was our last day with Kona, the wonderful golden retriever who has been a daily participant at the Morgan Autism Center for 15 years. To the very end, Kona faithfully provided our students with a sweet disposition and calming presence. Kona had a unique communication between herself and the students that can only be described as magical. Our nonverbal students were able to interact with her in ways they often were unable to do with others and Kona somehow always understood their intentions. Through Kona we were able to elicit more language from many of our students as well as to teach social skills. Occasionally, Kona's presence would be called upon to enable a student to maintain an emotional equilibrium if having a tough day. Kona would always come through for us.

Kona's owner was our Director of Student Services, Judi Campbell, who generously allowed Kona to be part of our program. Many of the students and clients came down to the office daily to see Kona, and often Kona would join them for walks. Judi spent a great deal of time, especially in the early years, facilitating Kona's relationships with the students. Kona seemed to understand the limitations of the students from the very beginning and was always accommodating in ways that could teach us all to learn how to better interact with one another. Kona taught students who were initially frightened of all dogs how to be in the same proximity safely, no easy feat! While she was playful and lively at times, (for, after all, she was a dog!) she never pushed her boundaries when the students were around. Kona was a great motivator for many of our students: to encourage them to exercise a bit more, to get to spend time with Kona after doing special jobs, or to have the opportunity to play catch with Kona and her toy. Kona loved to play with her favorite toy, which she would toss into the air, and dance around the courtyard proudly carrying it with her head held high to balance it across her nose.

Dogs are delightful companions, but Kona was even more. She was a devoted friend to our students, staff, parents, and visitors. Of course, Judi was the center of her universe and we are very grateful to Judi for having shared in the delight that was Kona. We will all miss her but what a gift to have known such a wonderful animal.