In 2019, the sudden death of a fourth-grader named Sable shook the town of Mason, Ohio.
The child’s parents started the Shine Like Sable Foundation and gifted a therapy dog, Shiner, to the Mason Early Childhood Center in an effort to help the community heal. “The adults love him just as much as the children,” Robyn Thomas, a school staff member said (via WLKY).
“He’s spending a lot of time with our counselors, especially if a child is having a difficult time,” Thomas added, noting that Shiner helps kids who have lost a loved one or have anxiety about saying goodbye to their parents at drop off. “When he steps in, he usually is helping the child to calm down.”
Shiner Carries Sable’s Legacy
Sable’s parents feel comforted when they see what Shiner has meant to the children and the community as a whole. “To know that had such an impact on some of the kids, I hope that Shiner is able to play that part,” Sable’s mom, Holly Gibson, said.
“When I first saw him with the kids, that just instantly made me cry because I just thought, ‘This is what it’s all about. This is somebody Sable would have helped, and now he’s helping them.'”
Sable’s father, Scott Gibson, stated that “it’s not us giving this gift,” but rather the community through their donations. “That’s the greatest thing about it. It’s the community giving this gift because they’re the ones that give to the Shine Like Sable Foundation to go and do things that are bigger than ourselves,” he explained.
Although Shiner’s introduction to the school was due to a tragedy, his lovable nature keeps Sable’s spirit and memory alive. “Shiner is a perfect example of Sable,” Thomas added. “Sable always had a bright, smiling face and a big smile on her face, and then she had this spunkiness about her.”
Has a therapy dog helped you through a difficult time? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below, and please share pictures of the therapy dog who bonded with you.
