Therapy Dogs

Today's a holiday for most folks, and hopefully you're enjoying a relaxing weekend with family and friends. On the celebration of our nation's birthday, it's a good time to remember all of those that have made this country what it is, and those who have paid dearly for our freedoms. I felt the short story below was fitting for this holiday. It features a therapy dog named Karma working in a VA hospital.

While many people have calm and friendly dogs, getting a dog involved in therapy work is a bit more involved than just signing up or taking your dog to a care facility. Dogs need to be assessed and prepared for the 'work' involved. Even calm and good natured dogs may be anxious in these unusual environments. How will your dog react to a wheelchair, the noises of a PA system, elevators, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, etc.? Is your dog's obedience solid? A dog jumping on an ill or elderly person can easily cause injury. Hygiene protocols are critical as well, for the health of patients as well as the dog and its family.

Therapy dogs can truly help those in need of healing, and I encourage those interested in such programs to start with some research. A good place to begin is reading websites of several active programs . . .

http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183
http://www.tdi-dog.org/
http://www.therapydogs.com/
and locally, http://www.therapydogclass.com/