Landon Attends Prevention Week at Oxnard College

Today, Landon represented ISD Innovations at Oxnard College's Prevention Week. The event promoted mental, emotional, and physical health, and showcased organizations that provide prevention and treatment for addiction disorders and mental illness. 

​Donned in his official therapy dog uniform, Landon greeted visitors who came to the ISD Innovations booth. Since the event was held in the college's main quad area, there was a steady stream of students and staff members who dropped by to meet Landon and learn more about ISD Innovations' various programs. 

​Also in attendance, was "Ricky" the robotic dog, whose parent company, Scholastic Robotics, is a partner of ISD Innovations. Ricky showcased the impressive skills that he uses to inspire learning in children, particularly those with autism. Ricky is a cute, comforting, and non-threatening friend who has the ability to ask a large array of questions (in multiple languages!) that promote learning. Ricky can then respond to a child's responses and behaviors. Ricky also has a built-in camera that allows therapists to record his interactions with a child, thereby assisting in determining the child's progress in treatment. 

Additionally, Larry Shapiro, author of the upcoming book, "Brain Pain," joined Landon and Ricky in the ISD Innovations booth. Larry's book addresses the incidence of suicide and its impacts on those left behind. The book, which is due to be published sometime this summer, would be a great tool to use in grief counseling sessions with either children or adults. 

It was wonderful to watch Landon interact with the visitors who stopped by the ISD Innovations booth to meet and pet him. Landon gained a lot of admirers, who asked questions ranging from what shampoo he uses to how he became a therapy dog. A few of Landon's new friends stayed with him for quite a while and mentioned how calm Landon made them feel. Landon does indeed have a unique ability to bring about a sense of calmness within a person. He himself is an amazingly "chill" dog and he just "goes with the flow." Even at home, he rarely gets riled up, with the exceptions of mealtime and whenever the blender is turned on. Landon loves his food, and his enthusiasm is apparent as he barks throughout the entire food preparation process. As for the blender, it is just noisy and it annoys him. 

To get a better idea about Landon's experience at Prevention Week, take a look at the video at left.