Therapy Dogs Anyone?

[turnerlvv]

So how many of you have therapy dogs? Tell us whats it like and some achievements your animals have made. I was looking into it but I couldnt find anything in my area. So now I just want to hear stories

[Rottweilerlvr]

Contact this lady for more info and testing on therapy work in your area... She should be testing every so often...

Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
November 26, 2006
9am
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: Sandra Burns (702) 645-2383 snrc@earthlink.net

Here is a link for testing in CGC, which is a requirement before you can test for TDI. You will need to find your state..

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm

[SmoothCollieluver]

I did it with my shep when i was in jr high/high school. She has since passed away.

[Tori's mom]

I work at a facility for the profoundly mentally handicapped and Tori actually worked an entire shift with me in late September. I was a bit worried because thats quite a stretch for a pup, but she did amazingly. I've been working with her since she was a baby to get her TDI certified, and she's visited the center a few times just to "get her feet wet" and judge her sutibility for the job. I guess I realized that she really is cut out for the job when at the end of the evening, after spending the day making sure that Tori didn't get too close to an autistic lady whom is known for rather unpredictable and violent behavior Tori slipped behind me and went straight to her. For the first time I saw this woman smile as she gently stroked Tori from head to tail, over and over again. Tori went to visit her twice more before we headed home, and each time I couldn't believe that my dogs instincts were so much better than my own. The benefits seemed to last for several days, and each day as I walked in she appeared to be watching for Tori. Now I just have to wait for Tori to get old enough to be certified (and practice the loose leash walking!) and we can schedule regular pet therapy visits!

[SmoothCollieluver]

That's wonderful. Good for you and tori.

[turnerlvv]

Rott- Thanks so much!!!!!

Tori- Congrats!

[Patch O' Pits]

I have 3
Apache
Patcheeno
and Steel
We work:
~ in the hospital on the oncology and pediatric wards
~in the public library with the read to a dog program
~ on ocassion in a pych and rehab center
~ Occasionally at schools

I list some more info for you later on....I'm off to dinner

[Patch O' Pits]

Here ya go:

Therapy dogs requirements:

The dog must be at least 1 year of age

Will have to pass a Therapy Dog test

Some require a CGC be given also, and some don't

Must be kept totally under control during visits at all times

Must have a yearly physical exam
Must be current on all shots and have a rabies certificate
Must have yearly heartworm and stool checks
(The therapy organization you go through will require you to show proof each year.)

Must be well groomed with nails trimmed

Can not have fleas, ticks or other infestations

Females can not visit while in heat

Should be wearing a tag that identifies them as a Therapy Dog


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
ON THERAPY DOGS

http://deltasociety.org/ Delta

http://www.golden-dogs.org/ Bright and Beautiful

http://www.tdi-dog.org/ Therapy dogs Int

http://therapydogs.com/ Therapy dogs

http://www.dog-play.com/join.html Help to find Therapy organizations

[Rottweilerlvr]

Patch, is there a certain therapy group you recommend? I was going to do Isabella's through TDI and they require, as I'm sure you know, CGC testing...

[Patch O' Pits]

I did TDI originally, but Bright and Beautiful had closer testers so I wemt through them with my other 2 it is a very similar test. I had good experiences with both orgs and they are all breed friendly. Delta is also supposed to e very good. The ones that don't require CGC usually have most of the things if not all of the CGc stuff in their own testing along with the other more Therapy specific tests.