| Re: Therapy Dog
My boy Duke is a therapy dog working for PALS in Alberta, Canada...which I am told is the largest therapy dog programme in Canada.
We dd have to pass a fairly stiff evaluation process (and Mom needed to get a police security chedk) prior to being allowed to visit seniors; attend special events or visit hospitals.
To date he has been exposed to helicopters landing and taking off; llamas; wheelchairs and crutches; babies to people in their 90's; the Canadian Prime Minister, his 3 bodyguards and a ton of camera people, live music, fire engines, horses, dogs, cats, clowns, doctors and nurses in uniforms....all of which he has taken totally in stride. At the same time he is on a short lead and I am constantly watching him for any body language that might indicate weariness or concern on his part. That is my responsibility as his owner.
But he LOVES it....and it is a little thing I can do to help make others happy. And when that neck banadana gets pulled out of the drawer and the special lead slipped on....he is ready to do his "work". If you are considering therapy work with your dog...I would highly recommend it...a well behaved working therapy rotti does make an awesome impression on those who do not think highly of this breed.
Good luck..keep us posted.  |