Gracie the Pit Bull and Out of the Pits President Cydne Cross show the class a trick.
Gracie had a rough start to her life. Found abandoned and tied to a tow chain, this Pit Bull Terrier was missing an ear due to the abuse she endured.
Questar III student Shawn Zukoski befriends Nimee.
Nimee, the half Pit Bull, half Akita, was born with deformed front legs which were later amputated.
Questar III student Gage Hillebrandt receives a friendly kiss from Nimee.
Thanks to the non-profit Pit Bull rescue organization Out of the Pits, both dogs are now mobile, friendly, and most importantly happy, despite their challenges.
Keeping a positive attitude in the face of adversity is the lesson Questar III students at Ichabod Crane High School took from their recent visit with these therapy dogs.
“Sometimes it’s hard for us to read, do math or answer questions, but it’s ok because others have disabilities too,” explained Special Education Teacher Beth St. Clair-Bedell to her class of seven high school aged students. “We can communicate to others through our actions and how we treat other people.”
Nimee and Gracie also visited the Questar III pre-K classroom down the hall. Students were delighted to see Nimee use her torso to move around on the floor. To walk, she uses a cart, almost like a wheel chair for her chest. Gracie showed off her ability to roll over and eagerly gave out kisses to students and teachers.
“When things get hard, some people feel sorry for themselves,” said Out of the Pits President Cydne Cross. “But we can still choose to be happy like Nimee and Gracie!”
Out of the Pits’ goal is to promote awareness of the breed and to help them perform as therapy, sport or rescue dogs.
The organization provides many services like school visits free of cost. For more information, please visit www.outofthepits.org.
