Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina Rescue to Exceptional Therapy Dog

by Julie Strauss Bettinger

Encounters with Rikki tells the true story of the incredible partnership between Chuck and Rikki, a very special rescue dog. Rikki first found her home with Chuck and Patty Mitchell in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even though the golden retriever was a shy, shell-shocked puppy still adapting to the stress of displacement, Chuck recognized her innate abilities as a therapy dog. Together they bring healing and hope to recovering patients, accident victims, and the mentally ill. Soon Rikki's quiet confidence attracts the attention of advocates of child victims. Called upon to testify in court, child witnesses must recall horrific memories in the presence of their abusers; the tireless work of Chuck and Rikki allows these children to do so with a therapy dog by their side. Inspiring and heartfelt, Rikki's story illustrates the far-reaching effects of the human-animal bond.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2016

Reviews

[Bookseedstudio · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENCOUNTERS WITH RIKKI by Julie Bettinger is a fast read, which my children's rights attorney hubby has taken from me to add to his high pile of juvenile justice books. It is highly recommended.

By walking in the pawsteps of therapy canine Rikki Mitchell, ENCOUNTERS is a charming & alarming peek into the world of prosecution of sexual offenders against children. At the same time it is also a less-tense visit with the array of other ways that therapy animals - cats, too! - visit physical rehabilitation rooms, nursing homes, mental hospitals & schools. All to assist upright walkers, via the uncanny instincts of these specially selected, highly trained animals & their handlers, who are a key part of the success of each team.
As a longtime reader in challenged schools for the national BookPALS program, I am also especially interested in learning more about therapy animals whose presence can bring out literacy improvement in struggling readers. This book can be a catalyst for increased involvement of
therapy animals in many crucial aspects of an increasingly caring society.

[Lisa LazarusBrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an animal lover, I feel the connection that can take place between humans and animals...but knowing the exact moment when those connections are being made and being able to describe that for others is so unique. Julie, Chuck, Patty and or course Rikki have given us those moments of connection in pristine detail. Along with the individuals whose lives have been positively altered by their presence, they have shown us a new gift when looking into the eyes of an animal. We may all watch the animals a little differently now -- and look for new ways of assisting each other.

[Kris Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who could ever have imagined that along with the thousands of frightened, trapped, lost and displaced animals that one special puppy would emerge from Hurricane Katrina. So special that this extraordinary, beautifully written book about rescue and recovery not only tells her story but the story of Chuck and Patty Mitchell and their experiences with Rikki the golden retriever. Chuck, who took over her training, found very early on that Rikki could read body language, respond to humans with empathy, engage visually. Because of Chuck Mitchell, a law was passed that allowed dogs in the court house and courtrooms-never before allowed. He was able to bring Rikki in to the court- room where the frightened, traumatized children waited to tell the tragic stories of the horrors surrounding their lives. The children could reach down below the table and touch Rikki; her neck, her ears, the softness of her face and be calmed. Chuck also took Rikki to visit accident victims and those with mental illness who responded to her, and she to them. This story of rescue, recovery, and a puppy who is “...an angel in a dog body...” and the Mitchell's, who believed in her, will touch your soul. Lyn Lazarus

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming read...

[Dan Cojanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a founder of a similar program in Michigan, I have had many of the same situations described in this book. I have always struggled trying to describe the interaction between these dogs and abused children when they enter the criminal justice system. "Encounters with Rikki" makes this interaction crystal clear. Anyone who is curious about what these dogs are capable of as well as people involved in the criminal justice system should pick this up. You won't put it down.

[Bobbie Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about a Katrina rescue dog who with the love, care and training Mitchell, her forever “parents”, becomes a therapy dog who changes the lives of those who need her most, whether it is an abused child, a person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, someone who is mentally challenged. A must read!

[SP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book chronicling a therapy dog's path from rescued to rescuer. This book is a must read for anyone using therapy animals in judicial settings....it really captures the essence of what we do. I highly recommend it for anyone working in the court system or anyone doing animal therapy work. It's a very moving story of the human-animal bond and it's role in the healing process of traumatized people.

[Aleah Lodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the way in which animals can be used to bring healing in a way other people can’t. We hold the other end of the leash because we know the work the animal is doing, is more than we ever could. This book encompasses what it is like to be on that other end of the leash and the blessings that come.

[A.E. Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about a an amazing dog. I have to confess that I know Rikki. She was best friends with my Great Dane Grendel. And while Grendel was a good therapy dog he had nothing on Rikki. If you want to know the power of the therapy dog program read this book. Rikki has touched and changed many lives.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of an incredibly special dog. It is extremely well written. I highly recommend it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick read. interesting to learn about therapy dogs in the court room and the back story of rikki. however got bored sometimes.

[Texjim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent but highly emotional story about the effects of therapy dogs on their target audiences and one particular dog, Rikki a diminutive red golden retriever. If you enjoyed "Dewey the Library Cat", you will love Rikki. There is no teary ending for the lovable pooch but be sure to bring your hankie just the same. Rikki starts out as a rehabilitation therapy dog with some remarkable results. She then begins moonlighting as READ dog whose purpose is to listen non-judgmentally to young readers struggling with reading confidence issues. Finally, she forges new ground as a support dog for abused children forced to describe their experiences within the legal system. In this last respect there is some discussion of some sexually sensitive testimony though none of it is IMO graphically offensive enough to exclude any but the youngest of potential readers. This is a very quick read and inspiring read. Rikki's unassuming owners, Chuck and Patty Mitchell have devoted much of their lives and talents as canine therapy volunteers and have my sincere admiration. These are true stories and the medical, legal and educational people all of whom were hesitant at first were later enthusiastically in favor of the amazingly intuitive healing power of Rikki and his canine cohorts. I highly recommend this one.

[J. Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful story about Rikki, a female golden retriever with instincts for helping people that border on the miraculous. The reader should be forewarned by the Author’s Note that warns of “serious, adult content related to sex crimes against children”. Some sections are, indeed, difficult to read, but they serve to emphasize the importance of the work these therapy dogs do. Further evidence is offered by the testimony of a traumatic brain injury patient whose encounter with Rikki brought her back from a condition from which her doctors thought she would never recover. She wrote, “We don’t emotionally relate the same way to people as we do to animals. They don’t judge you, and you instinctively know that. It’s easier to give those feelings out to an animal. For me, the dog is the one I feel in my soul. It touches the soft spot. It is like what gives you a tiny light that you follow ‘til it becomes brighter and brighter and your mind opens up wider as you come into it.” If you read this book, you will know what she is talking about.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads giveaway- thank you Julie Bettinger! The only thing wrong with this book is that it wasn't long enough!! A Hurricane Katrina rescue puppy went from being rescued to rescuing over 500 children and adults from various obstacles in life. It's truly amazing what a dog can do for those in need and this book defines just that. Rikki, the amazing therapy dog in this book reminds me so much of my sweet golden, O'Malley. The have hearts of pure gold and have the sweetest souls. Some parts of this book was very hard to read from the first page to the last page - but that is what made the book- children going through things they should never ever have to endure, but it was made more bearable because of a sweet would in the form of a loving dog. I loved this book! I have a new found respect for therapy dogs and feel like they should be placed in public school systems- maybe one day! Bless you Rikki and the thousands other therapy dogs. Also rip to the several pets that lost their lives due to Hurricane Katrina. ❤️

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encounters with Rikki: From Hurricane Katrina to Exceptional Therapy Dog by Julie Strauss Bettinger is a wonderful story. It is full of hope and encouragement. It is a journay many can understand even if this story is about a dog, Rikki who founds love and a purpose which all living creatures need. Being rescued to being one of the one doing the rescuing is an amazing story line. It is a story that captures you. Do not think that is is going to be a book that you can put down and forget. A must read for those loving dogs or just know that everyone /creature is here for a reason.


I received this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Wanda Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about till I and so many ways he helped people through difficult situations, whether adult or child. This book was so much more than just a dog rescue book. I was brought to tears several times when rikki I was used to help Zoe., also Arnold with his different personalities I was amazed at how rikki was able to bring a calmness to those who has been hurt so bad, or unable to communicate with anyone. I hope there are more therapy dogs like rikki being v trained to work now because I never realized what a need there are for them
Thank v you Chuck and Party for all the hard work you do. I recommend this book to everyone.

[Joseph Pankowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without any doubt, this is one book that is difficult to "put down." We've all heard that phrase before, but it is absolutely true for this true story of "Rikki," and all those who have been helped by this remarkable therapy dog and the animal-assisted therapy team who works with her. This account is far more than a story of an animal, for we learn how victims of crime are helped along the path to healing by a loving touch of a paw or nose. Having been a member of an active book club for many years, I will recommend "Encounters with Rikki" as our next selection.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book - I kept getting lost in the story and that is good! I actually become withdrawn from the "real world" following Rikki's story. Out of such sadness and destruction came an amazing dog - Rikki. Chuck and Patti brought her safety, love, and confidence and she in turn brought others safety, love and confidence. I was enjoying the book so much I hated to see it end. It was too short but it enabled me to continue their work in my mind.

[Laurie Dozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Encounters With Rikki, Julie Bettinger has woven multiple stories into a single compelling tale that educates and excites the reader in so many ways. Over the years Chuck had shared each of these episodes, often as they were in progress, but as Julie so brilliantly captured and reported them, I realized, in the end, that I've been witnessing a remarkable love story.

Laurie Dozier, President Mad Dog Construction (succeeded Chuck in 1993)

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having two current Golden retriever Therapy dogs (and lost 3 golden therapy dogs), I am thoroughly connected to this story and understand how intuitive Therapy dogs can be. We have experienced many incredible experiences, and I am thrilled to hear how they are opening doors for more opportunities more Therapy dogs.

[Pat Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a special book. I have seen the READ program in action and know how valuable it is. What wonderful stories of Rikki helping such hurting people.
I highly recommend this book.

[Ann Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book made me laugh and cry god bless Rikki