Rosie O’Donnell and Guide Dogs of America just released the documentary called, “Unleashing Hope. The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism.”
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Dogs can provide friendship, a calming presence and entertainment, but one black lab, golden retriever mix in Oceanside, is doing even more for students at Nichols Leadership Academy.
Like her famous sister, who will be featured in Rosie O’Donnell’s new documentary, Kynsi will work with students who have special needs.
O’Donnell and Guide Dogs of America just released the documentary called “Unleashing Hope. The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism.”
Like Rosie’s dog, Kynsi went through the same year-long training by inmates in prison. She now serves students with special needs at an elementary school in Oceanside.
“Kynsi is so nice, she helps me get my work done,” Xavier Coole, a student, said.
He and his peers light up, having her in the classroom. Their special education teacher is also Kynsi’s handler. Rachel Prentiss understands disability herself, having cerebral palsy, so she has seen what the dog can do for herself and her students.
“Kids who aren’t being successful in school because they don’t feel they have people to connect with, and watching that shift is really beautiful. Just doing different activities and having her presence is really calming and engaging,” Prentiss said.
From being a good listener to providing a gentle nudge to stay focused, or a welcome distraction, she even helps pick up and has become an incredible asset in the classroom.
“She knows her way around campus and really enjoys the job. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and yeah, the bond grows every day,” Prentiss added.
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