Sotiris

A few words from the family…

Our contact with Dogtherapy and its people began when we made the decision to adopt a dog for our family. It took us some time to decide, as the children obviously wanted a dog very much, but we thought about the extra responsibilities.
In the fall of 2023, the decision was made!! The reason: We have a child in our family with a chronic condition accompanied by severe learning difficulties and socio-emotional fluctuations, we felt that the presence of a dog would help him, as well as the whole family.

We got in touch with the people in charge of Dogtherapy, they guided us, and we met dear Konstantina. Our little one then had a series of therapy sessions with Vangelis, the therapy dog. Vangelis helped him learn how to behave and care for a dog, and Konstantina was able to understand the child’s needs.

The result: After a while we came in touch with the animal welfare SPAZ through Konstantina and we met Sotiris! Konstantina saw in Sotiris the ideal friend for our son and for the whole family. Initially we were sceptical in adopting him as we had some criteria in our mind (too much shedding!) but we quickly realized Sotiris was our savior!! He came to our house one day in December, where we had a family council, and we changed his name to ‘Aris’. We began getting to know each other.

Today, one year later we could not imagine our life and our home without Aris! Aris patiently “reads” the 5th Grade lessons with our son every day (some days he also chooses “reading” the High School lessons of the next room!). I think that soon he will also be able to write exams! He is the best listener He endures our little one’s very tight hugs, his difficult moments and he is at his company waiting stoically his anger outbursts… On the most difficult days he accompanies him to school in the morning, to activities and wherever else is needed.

He is always there for him and us unconditionally. He waits for us with such longing and excitement every time we come home. How can an animal be so happy every day to see you… So much love without conditions and boundaries… It is the calming power of the house that brings peace.

And just like that, the initial reservations were forgotten, the criteria we supposedly had were nullified (and yet a large but calm dog fits and overflows in an apartment, and mom’s hair nightmare is handled just fine with the right broom)!

For us, it is the mother from heaven for difficult times, our little friend, our company. For him we are the warm home and the family he never had… And just like that our family of four became a happy family of five.