Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvia Mesa
Hi Silvia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Silvia Mesa. I am the award-winning author of “Walking with Prada, Our Journey of Love and Adventure,” a beautiful memoir that encompasses my life, my family, and my beloved dogs. Walking with Prada has received five book awards and many 5-star reviews.
I graduated from Florida International University in 1998 and work as a business administrator. An immigrant from Venezuela, my family and I achieved the American dream by becoming US citizens a few years after arriving in Miami, Florida. In 1995, I married my husband, Miguel Mesa, and we created a beautiful family together. We have two children, Cristina and Carlos. We live with my two golden retrievers, Charlie Brown and Lalique, and several furry and feathery friends.
In 2017, I embarked on a transformative journey when I became a certified therapy dog handler. My golden retrievers, Prada, Charlie Brown, and Lalique, became my trusted companions. Tragically, Prada, my inspiration and soul dog, passed away from cancer in 2021. Her loss was a profound moment in my life, but it also marked a new chapter in my journey. I continue to visit libraries, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes with Charlie Brown and Lalique, carrying Prada’s spirit with me.
I loved my voluntary work as a therapy dog team so much that I obtained a certification from Oakland University in Human-Animal Bond Intervention. It helped me understand how special our bond is with our dogs and how to advocate for them when volunteering.
My journey as a therapy dog handler with Charlie Brown has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment. After seven years of volunteering, I felt a calling to expand my impact and sought a certification to work more directly with children. In January 2023, I obtained a certification from Adventure in Wisdom, a program that equips kids with mindset skills. Now, as a Life Coach for Kids, I work alongside my trusted partner, Charlie Brown, at our business, Charlie’s Wags of Wisdom. Together, we specialize in workshops at schools and helping children and teens be their best.
Through the years, I have encountered many opportunities to help others learn about the wonderful job of volunteering as a therapy dog team member. The certification in Human-Animal Bond Intervention gives me the opportunity to educate others on the differences between Animal-Assisted Activities, Animal-Assisted Education, and Animal-Assisted Therapy and how to set up a program to achieve desired outcomes.
My experiences as a handler of three loving therapy dogs gave me an understanding of working with humans and dogs simultaneously. Training, temperament, and compassion are fundamental for the job. I have mastered many ways to work with people at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and other facilities.
My work has always been guided by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a difference. With Charlie’s Wags of Wisdom, I have channeled this passion towards helping children. We offer a range of group workshops and one-on-one sessions, each designed to equip kids with the tools they need to navigate life’s complex and unforgettable moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a wonderful experience. There are a few times when we encounter people afraid of dogs or that are allergic. I am very mindful of these situations and I take precautions in order to make it work. My priority is to keep my dogs safe and be their best advocate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an engaging, inspiring, and approachable person, I bring the passions I have gained through many years of experience to life.
I am very proud to have the ability to bring to our community the opportunity to help learn about the bond between dogs and humans and how this can work as a career path.
I am happy to share my experiences:
HOW TO BE THE BEST THERAPY DOG TEAM
• Recognizing the potential in your dog and yourself to give love to strangers.
• How to navigate training and become a talented team player with your dog.
• Finding love and passion in volunteering.
HOW TO APPROACH THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK WITH YOUR SPECIAL BEST FRIEND
• Learning to understand the connection between you and your dog and the special bond you get through
volunteering.
• Learning where the best place to volunteer is and how to connect with them.
• Finding the positive aspect of including your therapy dog to help advance your career.
HOW TO HELP CHILDREN APPROACH LIFE IN A POSITIVE WAY – WITH CHARLIE BROWN, THERAPY DOG – CHARLIE’S WAGS OF WISDOM
• Empowering kids through stories and Charlie’s Wags of Wisdom to help develop mindset skills.
• Identify and shift limiting beliefs that hold kids back.
• Learning to work with activities like storytelling, games, and arts and crafts enables kids to connect to their thoughts
and feelings.
Working with a very special dog, I make a huge impact on others. We complement each other and give a very unique perspective to the work we do. Charlie has a special bond with children and that together with my knowledge we make a difference that no other life coach for kids can do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Following my passion is paramount to my own growth. No matter if I think is insignificant or it can’t be done. Believing in my own power is important.
I am working on numerous projects that will make me fulfill my dreams. Every day is an opportunity. Every chance I take is a possibility.
If I can make a difference in yours, please let me know. I would love to do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pradasbunch.com
- Instagram: @charlies_wags_of_wisdom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Charlies-Wags-of-Wisdom-100090808860101/?locale=hi_IN&_rdr
