And so they say, dog is man’s best friend.

A small boy named Matty* found himself living at Ranch Ehrlo Society away from friends, family, and all that was familiar. The intimidation of walking into a foreign place to call your new home is unfathomable to many of us, never mind at only 12 years old.

While he did find comfort in the support of staff and friendship with other youth, something was missing for Matty at Ranch Ehrlo.

He tried running, he tried escaping, and would take off for days, explained Dionne Baergen, director of residential services at Corman Park.

Finn

Dionne met Finn. Finn met Dionne. And Matty had a dog.

“None of the kids knew I was bringing him home, so they were all quite excited when Finn jumped out of the car,” said Dionne. “Matty was elated.”

A boy of his word, Matty became the primary caregiver to Finn. Matty diligently dished out food, provided water, and fed Finn his pain medication each day.

“That little boy was so good with Finn, and you know what, he did stop running away. Matty knew he had to be home to give Finn his food, his water, and his pills,” said Dionne. “It was its own kind of therapy. “

To the happiness of his staff but to the sadness to Finn, Matty was discharged in October. The pair had spent nearly every moment they could together for past eight months.

“It was quite sad to see Matty leave,” said Dionne. “Finn hasn’t been the same since; he’s still grieving the loss of his owner.”

Ranch Ehrlo Society recognizes that all people grow, develop, and heal in different ways. There are dozens of stories like that of Finn and Matty, where programming is tailored and accommodations are made to foster the greatest success, happiness, and well-being of our clients.

“Finn was instrumental in helping to stabilize this boy,” said Dionne. “He taught Matty compassion because sometimes it’s easier to have empathy for animal than for a human.”

For now, Finn has moved from May House into the personal care of Dionne until he bounces back from the loss of his best friend Matty.

*name has been changed to protect the identity of the child.