Doggie daycare bus visits youth living with disabilities
Jo McVilly drives a school bus through town every morning, stopping in front of houses to pick up her 63 passengers. But she doesn’t fill the bus with students. Instead, she picks up dogs destined for a very special park.
McVilly says her dogs range from working dogs to older dogs to “naughty teenagers” she’s still training. And they’re all thrilled to be there. “The dogs know what day it is — they’re already hassling their owners at 5 and 6 in the morning.” But the dogs may not know what an important service they’re providing.
The IronBark dog park partners with mental health providers such as Encompass Wellbeing to find disabled or at‑risk youth looking for a job. McVilly explains, “We’re creating a space where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and build a future in animal care.” And the pooches are an important piece of the puzzle.
McVilly admits that “neurospicy” folks may struggle to take the plunge in a new workplace or career. “But if you put dogs in the mix, just sitting here, they can touch and be patting the dog and still be able to have that conversation — it is really beautiful to see.”
Disabled Teen Admits Working at the Dog Park ‘Makes Me Feel Relaxed’
Amber Kaats suffered a brain injury and has limited mobility. But that doesn’t stop her from working at the dog park. “Coming here calms me down and makes me feel relaxed.”
Her father adds, “With disability, you do have those off days, but you come down here and that’s all forgotten.” He adds that working for McVilly and her dogs, “I know she’s safe.”
McVilly believes the key is just getting folks “outside and connected.” She says helping people is a wonderful byproduct of her original mission. “My aim obviously with the dogs is to find their happy place, but the result is, it allows the humans to find their happy place as well.”
Sage Conway‑Keogh, who has a hearing impairment, began as a participant, graduated to a trainee groomer, and is now studying and working at IronBark to pursue her career. “I’ve always loved animals, and now I get to work with them every day.” McVilly admits her staff have become much more than employees. “I get quite emotional from the change I see.”
