Hi everyone! My name is Maggie and I work at the Beacon Center. Yep, I’m a dog and I work at the Beacon Center and boy did they need me! I didn’t know much about domestic violence or sexual assault until I started and Angie my co-worker explained it.

 

I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how. She told me scientists had done studies and showed that dogs help with stress and make people feel better. I didn’t know I could do something to help victims that had been hurt in the worst ways. I met Dawn, the boss, who then had me meet the board of directors and I was hired!

 

In May 2016, I became a working girl! I live with Angie, because we’re not open 24 hours and I wouldn’t like being at the office alone. I get really excited to go to work every morning with Angie. I ride in the back seat like I’m the boss and she’s my chauffer.

 

At first it was hard for me to understand how people would hurt one another that way and I didn’t know if I could make a difference. Angie reminded me my job was to greet people, be myself and make them smile. I thought I can do that!

 

I’ve met a lot of people and have done a lot of new things. People come in and I can tell they’re really sad, sometimes they even cry. I just sit quietly and let them pet me. I know it’s not much, but I think it helps. It makes me sad, when I see people come in with bruises on their arms or faces. Lots of kids come to the Beacon Center and I love it! Some kids yell for me as soon as they get in the door. Some pull my ears so I stay away from them, but otherwise I love the pets and belly rubs. It’s not just kids that look for me but, adults too. They get down and rub my belly just like the kids.

 

I help Angie with groups that come in and love giving tours of our building. Sometimes I get to go on field trips!  Just the other day I visited the students at Lake Area Technical Institute to help relieve their final exam stress. I just let them pet me and it made them smile.

 

Angie tells me at times everyone gets stressed – even my co-workers.  They need my snuggles and kisses too! I just hate to see people hurting so I give some of my love.

 

People say that I’ve brightened the place up and made it a happier place. The best part of my day is when I can help someone feel better, just by doing what dogs do…love everyone!

 

Beacon Center’s door is always open to those in need.  Remember that we are here if you ever need someone to talk to, help with your situation – or just a little “Maggie” time.

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Love,

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Maggie

 

P.S. Check out the pictures and see some of the fun stuff I get up to!