The Sparrow Fund & Louie
Facility Dog
Louie was placed as a facility dog in 2018 with his handler Kelly Raudenbush of The Sparrow Fund. She is a child and family therapist who works with foster and adopted children who have experienced trauma. Louie joined her in therapy sessions, where together they helped many children and families build a feeling of safety and healthy attachments.
“Louie and I had a 3 hour appointment today with adoptive
parents and a little girl who suffered severe abuse before her adoption.
Louie greeted her so gently like he knew her trauma.
At one point, she stood up to work with him, but got nervous.
She put her hand out in a way that was barely noticeable, just to her side.
Louie walked to her and did a visit on her. It wasn’t a hug, it wasn’t a rest.
He literally laid his head against her belly, looking up at her
face like a standing visit. She said, ‘Miss Kelly, I think he knew I was scared.'”
~Kelly, Louie’s handler