Make It a H.A.B.I.T.

Given that we're donating a portion of all our eco-friendly and/or fair trade See Beautiful products to Guide Dogs of America this month, we find it only fitting to highlight wonderful pets and service dogs who constantly make this world a better place. H.A.B.I.T. (Human Animal Bond In Tennessee) and the people and pets involved see and create a whole lot of beautiful! We feel lucky to know the wonderful H.A.B.I.T. service dog, Keric and her family Ms. Vicki McKernan! Getting to showcase the work H.A.B.I.T. dogs do in schools is even more special because, let's face it, when children and dogs get together there's not much more beautiful in the world. 

Keric overseeing a literature circle. We believe he's reciting poems from Love That Dog by Sharon Creech.

Keric and four other dogs are part of the St. John Neumann Catholic School family. Visiting children throughout the week these four-legged school members help create a friendly, relaxed, respectful and compassionate environment for learning and receiving belly rubs. The dogs inclusion in the classes provides consistency and security while modeling respect for others (including animals - clearly). Vicki McKernan says, "The medical world acknowledges that petting a dog will lower your blood pressure and respiration rate, but a kid just feels the unconditional love from his furry friend and is reassured of his worth and his confidence rises." Additionally, children who may be struggling with a specific skill in school can reach over and pet their trusted sidekick and try again; as "time with the dog" often reduces the stress associated with the task at hand.

We imagine this H.A.B.I.T. dog is cheering on the brilliant reading of this young lady. Do you feel it too?

Mmmmm....to be a dog.

It should not be overlooked that these wonderful dogs belong to wonderful people. Owners go through rigorous and continued training and meetings to ensure the safety of their service dogs and the people who their service dogs help to see beautiful! Thank you so much to the dedication of these owners! 

Thanks for all the life lessons you share by being you, Keric!

It makes us wish every child could have these wonderful opportunities. It sort of makes us wish we could go back to school.  

Wanna learn more about H.A.B.I.T.? Visit HERE. 

Wanna go back to school in this type of learning environment? Us too. We haven't figured out how to do this. Stay tuned.

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Are you looking for a tangible reminder to see beautiful, or know someone who needs one? Check out our See Beautiful™ products (and feel good knowing a portion of proceeds from every purchase is donated to charity. This month a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Guide Dogs of America. Click HERE.