Check out this article from Real Simple to get a bird's eye view of what it takes! … [Read more...] about Want to be a Therapy Dog Handler?
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A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home
I was standing in the turquoise waters on the island of Aruba when a woman walked up next to me. We started to chat and our conversation quickly turned to dogs. She had taken classes to certify her dog as a therapy dog. I looked up and thought to myself...I am half way around the world, half way through my therapy dog classes and I just happen to run into someone who shares this passion of bringing joy to individuals through the love of a dog. I believe in God moments, and this was one of … [Read more...] about A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home
Joy of the Visit
We are 5 minutes from the clinic and Lucy begins to whine. She remembers the last time we visited this location and the joy she gave as well as the joy she received. It's not just for the patients. The visits are for the doctors, nurses, administration, the caretakers and the patients. Now I know she goes to visit to bring joy to those that are being treated for illness, yet the joy is spread to all those involved and this is easy because she loves her job. The joy of the visit is felt in … [Read more...] about Joy of the Visit
Paws for a Moment…
God made dogs. Dogs are friends without boundaries. Has a dog ever saved you during times of emotional heartache or physical stress? Growing up my dogs were my rock in a home filled with uncertainty. Lucy, my basset hound, pictured with me in this post, is a therapy dog certified through Therapy Dogs International (TDI). She has touched many hearts with her visits to assisted living facilities, cancer centers, memory care units and homes. Through building this blog, I hope to touch your … [Read more...] about Paws for a Moment…
We all Start Somewhere
This is Lucy as a young pup. When we drove to Ohio to pick her up, I knew her purpose was not only to bring love to our family, but to also bring love to those that need a little furry affection. I began looking for therapy dog training classes to see if she had the temperament to serve and love in this capacity. She took the eight hours of classes and passed the test. She was a natural who can sense the need for gentleness, while wagging her tail and loving the receiver of her affection. … [Read more...] about We all Start Somewhere