 Holland House Resident holds  Photography Exhibition
Holland House resident, Ted Leibovitz, pictured to the left of Director Kiltie Bedford, opened an exhibit of 40 original photographs in the Holland House Piano Lounge. This beautiful and extensive exhibition includes photographs that Ted, himself, photographed, printed, framed, and hung. Attendees of the Opening had the opportunity to meet the artist, who has lived at Holland House since 1996. While not a professional photographer, Ted says that photographing scenes around the city is a "personal passion" and he was delighted for the opportunity to display his work for residents to enjoy. If you are interested in seeing Ted's work, the exhibit will be on display in the Piano Lounge throughout February and March. For more information, please contact Ellis Eisner, Director of Recreation at (212) 245-6660. |
 A New "Leash" on Life: Healing at Both Ends
Many of us crave a second chance at starting anew. Renewal Farm residents took on the personal challenge of giving unwanted shelter dogs a new life through a unique handler/dog training program called "A New Leash on Life".
Photo: Renewal Farm residents Nate and Michael help train Guy (sitting) under the guidance of trainer, PJ Goldsmith (in yellow jacket).
For two days each week, the handlers travel to North Wind Kennel in Bedford, NY and work directly with a professional trainer who teaches appropriate methods to give dogs respect, love, commitment and positive attention.
One of the volunteer handlers drew a similarity to his own life experiences: "I see the connection between the dog training process and the [addiction] recovery process. These poor dogs were left for dead often by masters who were terribly abusive...I gave up the anticipation of a happy life and I assume the dogs did as well."
Another handler sympathized with the dogs' homelessness and a lack of family to love them. He truly hoped that these dogs would gain security and a family soon and added that these were missing for him personally. "I want to raise a family one day and have a place to call home."
Through hands-on guidance, the handlers practice consistency, discipline, dedication and structure with the dogs. One of the handlers remarked that these are all skills he is applying to his own recovery and life plan. "I make sure to be there at each volunteering session because the dogs are relying on me to show up. I've never practiced responsibility and structure the way I am right now."
After one of the dogs recently graduated from "A New Leash on Life" and was ready to join SPCA's Outreach /Community Program, the handler summarized the dog's departure this way: "Finally, like a proud parent seeing a child off to college, we are slightly sad that they're leaving us, but emboldened and gratified that we're one of the reasons that helped them on a journey to a much better life...we guided them to their destiny as someone's lifelong companion. |
