KENNEDY – As part of the summer reading program about community heroes, local therapy dog Sequoia and her owner, Bob Terreberry, recently visited the Kennedy Free Library.

Sequoia quickly began making friends with everyone present, while Terreberry explained what a therapy dog does. After they both took a training course, with both obedience and therapy training lessons, Sequoia became a canine therapist. She has been doing this for 10 years. Attendees could tell how good she is at her job. Even the shyest members of the audience wanted to pet her, or to give her a treat when she did a trick. Part of her skills when she visits a nursing home or hospital is to draw people out and bring them some joy. Many times, an animal like Sequoia can break through when a person can’t. This can then help in someone’s recovery, or make their life richer.

Terreberry told everyone that Sequoia is an American Staffordshire terrier. This breed was developed to guard children. In many old pictures and paintings, it is an American Staffordshire terrier that is shown with small children, playing with them or guarding them. He then said that this breed is one that is considered a pit bull. From this point, Terreberry went on to say that it is the way a dog is treated that makes it mean. It is not because it is a certain breed. Animals need their basic food and shelter requirements met, but they also need their owners to spend time with them to build a loving bond. He spent some time talking with the audience about ways to provide a loving home.

Sequoia puts to rest the notion of all members of her breed being vicious. Even at her advanced age of 12, she remains friendly. She certainly “worked the room” with her audience in Kennedy. Terreberry said she has even been in a couple of local theatrical productions, once playing Little Orphan Annie’s dog, Sandy, and was a big hit with the audience and cast.

Terreberry went on to talk about the various ways animals can work with people. He discussed how the many different breeds of dogs have been developed over centuries for different purposes, but are all descended from one ancient breed.

As she gets ready for retirement, Sequoia may be slowing down with her advanced age, but she still enjoys meeting new people and making new friends. Her service to brighten so many lives over the years has earned her a spot in many hearts.