at-risk youth learn about child abuse, animal abuse, and domestic violence, and also explore empathy, citizenship, responsibility, and good choices. The dogs are accepting and non-judgmental while offering love and motivating the students. Watching the dogs’ rapid, measurable progress teaches the teens that positive reinforcement, empathy, and an encouraging, upbeat attitude are effective methods of interacting with others. The children that participated have improved self esteem, behavior at home, school performance, and many are no longer involved in the child welfare system.