What better way to improve morale than the pitter-patter of tiny paws running throughout the home? Funny you should ask! If you visit the North Georgia Angel House you may notice a robust tri-colored Pembroke Welsh Corgi named “Sailor” who calls first dibs on a belly rub. Sailor waits patiently with his bottom swinging harder than a gorilla on a tree as he assesses guests for their willingness to rub his belly. If the guest looks interested, even in the slightest, he plunges forward with an immediate stop-drop-and roll in hopes of reducing ones stress.
There’s a natural connection between animals and children that is undeniable. Our love of both makes our home one of the only group homes in Georgia that allows children to enter care with a pet. We believe that separating a child from a pet when entering care is a lose-lose for both the pet and the child. To that end, we encourage our girls to respect all living beings with a “catch and release” mindset as opposed to “dead on arrival” that many others develop. We have been home to cats, dogs, mice, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and a turtle named Alejandro. Children who leave our home post care are unlikely to forget the crazy lady who believes even a spider should be captured and returned to nature.
Our philosophy toward caring for animals comes from the first part of the Hippocratic Oath “do no harm.” We believe that teaching children the value of compassion is often overlooked, creating a belief that if we see something on the floor we should “squash it!” On the contrary, every living creature was created for a purpose. The fight or flight experience that is inherent in humans is instinctual in animals as well. So the next time you are inclined to swat a tiny little curious creature that is likely looking for food, take a moment and then give it grace. And if you’re in the area and want to see a home where children are loved and animals are welcome, come and see us! You will likely meet the troll Sailor who will require a couple of strokes on his belly and a possible cookie if you’re carrying and then come on in!