Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Kennedy Hayes currently resides in the St. Phillip Community of Jefferson County. She loves to sing and has had the chance to perform several times this year. Kennedy's second grade class at Holy Comforter Episcopal School in Tallahassee presented the musical play Yeehaw earlier this year and were part of the program for Grandpeople's Day around Thanksgiving. Her favorite songs in their recent Christmas program were “Christmas Sock Rock” and “Sing Me Now of Christmas,” which was especially fun for Kennedy because the arrangement had different classes singing different sections of the lyrics and melody.
“I like to practice music because it tells you something about your life,” says Kennedy.
Kennedy also enjoys playing soccer and is planning to participate in the upcoming Jefferson County Recreation Park soccer season.
About eight months ago, a dog named Rosie became a big part of Kennedy's life. Rosie is a one-year-old Shih-poo (a dog breed that is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle) and is a registered support pet for Kennedy, who has autism.
“Rosie is so special because she's so playful and full of emotion and protective,” says Kennedy. “The first time we got her, she literally slept in my lap. She feels so warm. You feel her softness and she feels like a pillow you can sleep on.”
Rosie seems to know when Kennedy is sad and comes over to comfort her. Kennedy loves to play with Rosie and wants to teach her to fetch a ball consistently. It's not all comforting hugs though, points out Kennedy. Sometimes Rosie bites, and she likes to take objects and hide them under Kennedy's bed.
“It's a mess!” exclaims Kennedy, who is taking an active part in training Rosie as she matures through puppyhood.
Kennedy has three tips for fellow dog owners:
1) Don't give your dog chocolate.
2) Play with your dog to make sure they don't get miserable.
3) Have a little carrier (not just a leash) so you can carry them like a baby.
Dogs are cuter than babies, according to Kennedy, but they can still be like a sibling.
Kennedy is the daughter of Chandra Hayes and the granddaughter of Pauline and Curtis Hayes. She is proud about getting good grades in Ms. Carpenter's second grade class and enjoys traveling. She recalls fun trips to Louisiana, Dubai and the Bahamas and is looking forward to going to Disney for her eighth birthday in January.
You must be logged in to post a comment.