Ok, so I realized I haven't been talking about my story as much as I was wishing to do so.....I want to tell you more about my story.......it's been a good one......
After Pam and I got to know one another and we trained together for awhile, Pam thought WOW, Sandy would be a great therapy dog! And therefore, I shortly became a certified therapy dog, through Therapy Dogs Incorporated. As long as your dog is well trained and is well behaved, the certification process is fairly easy! Basically we cannot get spooked easily, if something is dropped on the floor we can react but mildly react, we cannot jump or make any sudden jumps/ movements. We are not supposed to jump up on patients beds, unless invited and even then we must go up onto the bed nice and easily so as not to hurt our patients. We must be comfortable around wheelchairs and other hospital equipment. We must not eat food off the floor, or jump up and countersurf (or steal food from anyone) or for that matter take any food from our patients. Our human companion will need to bring treats from home to give to us, and for our patients to give to us if they choose, we must also take the treat nice and gently!
As a therapy dog, we are insured through the organization we are certified with. So they need to know we will not be a liability to the organization and we will set a good example for future therapy dogs to continue our work!
Therapy Dogs usually were our tags, on our collars, most of the time we are leashed. Very rarely therapy dogs are allowed off leash, but only in certain circumstances (and the dogs are usually residents themselves or at least day time residents!)
It helps to be tested and pass the Canine Good Citizen test for therapy dogs BUT not necessary. I actually passed this test AFTER I became a therapy dog.
Having my own patients and visiting them on a weekly basis made me happy as I hope they were after my visit. Of course, I had my favorite patients, but they were all special and hopefully a little healthier after my visit!
And yes, I did receive certificates with Pam for our services (as Pam says my services) at my local nursing home!
Okay more tomorrow,
Until then have a great tail waggin' evening,
Sandy
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