“Biscayne Bubbles”

 

History of Pet Therapy Program

 

Biscayne Foundation’s Pet Therapy Program was initially established in 2000 with the donation of a toy pug named Biscayne Bubbles. She was donated by Tea Cup Dogs, a specialty pet store located in Davie, Florida. The program received widespread media attention with articles in both the Aventura News and the Sun Sentinel. The Kiwanis Club of Aventura and the Dade Community Foundation also recognized the program with grants for support. These grants, however, were time limited.

 

As a result of the donation of the dog and funds for support, numerous children and adults were able to have a therapeutic interaction on a regular weekly basis with Biscayne Bubbles. In the children’s program, a “Reading with Bubbles” activity was established. Data collected from this program showed that children reading to the dog increased their reading capacity dramatically. Additionally, behavioral programs, using time spent with the dog as a reward, also substantially decreased problem behaviors with children. Unfortunately, in 2005, Biscayne Bubbles died.  Even in this loss, though, she contributed therapeutically to the patients that Biscayne Foundation serves. A memorial service was held for Biscayne Bubbles which was attended by over 80 people. The service provided an opportunity for both children and adults who had major losses in their lives to come together and acknowledge the life cycle and share support for one another in their mourning.

Biscayne Bubbles II Fills Big Paws

Tea Cup Dogs came to the rescue once again and granted the Biscayne Academy a new toy pug named Biscayne Bubbles II, or otherwise fondly referred to as BiBi.  A six-week old BiBi was presented by Tea Cup Dogs at the Academy’s first graduation ceremony on June 8th, 2005 in front of dozens of audience members as well as numerous press organizations such as Channel 7, Channel 10, and CBS4. 

BiBi serves as a friend to the students, lending a nonjudgmental ear to the children as they read and gain self-confidence.  BiBi rewards the students for their good behavior by playing with them every week on Fun Fridays and provides something soft and fluffy to cuddle with.  Her keen intuition on patients’ needs is so keen that one would think this dog had been a doctor in its previous life! 

Won’t You Help?

 

We solicit your consideration of sponsorship for this program. It is a wonderful opportunity to provide assistance to a quality program that substantially adds to the lives of ill and disabled children, youth, adults and the elderly. It is an especially wonderful opportunity for people who know the benefits of a loving relationship with a pet, and who have generous heart, to assist children, youth, adult and the elderly who are less fortunate that themselves.

Pet Therapy

The Biscayne Institutes

of Health and Living

“BiBi”

BiBi Asks You To Help!