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16 At the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in Montgomery, Edwards works with kids who have hearing or speech problems. She works with Tallassee High School students between the ages of 14 and 20. "The students are in a special education class and love the break they get when Scout visits," Edwards said. "I have given them quizzes on the anatomy of the dog, how to groom a dog, and I let them brush her. Scout is free to roam the classroom and visit each student. It's a welcome break from their routine." When working with Miracle League children, Edwards has noticed that their visits are calming and therapeutic. "We help the children by running bases with them, fielding balls and waiting in the dugout for the next batter," Edwards said. Scout shines when dealing with elderly residents at Eastdale Estates, Elmcroft Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Wesley Gardens Retirement Community. "When we first arrive at the common area of one facility, there's one elderly gentleman, John, who always sits and waits for us. At the end of the visit, Scout does not want to leave him. Sometimes people will tell me, 'I miss my dog' or 'I had a dog just like Scout.'" Since 2002, Claire and Mike Edwards have lived on a 5-acre, fenced mini-farm in Tallassee. They converted the property's 2,000-square-foot stable into a kennel with six screened shelters and a grooming room. The area is perfect for caring for and training their eight dogs, including Scout, a corgi, a Labrador retriever and Bernese mountain dogs. Scout was enrolled in three, eight-week obedience classes to prepare for her role as a therapy dog. Edwards and Scout visited rehab hospitals and nursing homes. Scout passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test and was certified by Dogs on Call in December 2015. "What I find amazing is that Scout is no different from the other dogs in our household," Edwards said. "All of the dogs run, play, bark and occasionally need a scolding. However, when I put on Scout's red service vest to go out visiting, she knows she's on-duty." At Christmastime, Edwards outfitted Scout in a tutu, leg warmers and a scarf, with the red vest visible. She baked and delivered cookies to nursing homes and assisted living centers. It was a special time for all. "The visits always touch my heart," she said. "When Scout brings joy into people's lives, you can see it in their eyes – it's a wonderful thing." Golden retriever Scout exercises with Edwards before visiting children.