Pet Therapy
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Therapy dogs are trained to help brighten someone's day improving how people feel. They are trained to interact with all individuals. With their handler therapy dogs are permitted to go into facilities where they have pre-approval as volunteers from the facility. These can include hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes and other institutions where therapy dogs are needed. A therapy dog is not permitted to go into stores unless the store welcomes all dogs such as a pet store.
Any breed (purebred or mixed) can be a therapy dog. The temperament of the dog is important. A therapy dog needs to be outgoing, enjoy interaction with all ages of people, be non-aggressive towards other animals and dependable in stressful situations. A therapy dog has basic and advanced obedience training, demonstrates ability to not be alarmed by loud noises, allow petting from the tip of the ears to the toes to the end of the tail, be comfortable around mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers. A therapy dog must remain focused on the handler in crowds as well as demonstrate a "leave it" command.
There are several national organizations that certify therapy dogs. Pet Partners was founded in Portland, Oregon 1977, as the Delta Society. It was founded by Dr. Leo K. Bustad (veterinarian), R.K. Anderson, DVM, Stanley L. Diesch, DVM, Joe Quigley, DVM and Alton Hopkins, DVM in conjunction with two brothers Dr. Michael J. McCulloch (psychiatrist) and Dr. William "Bill" McCulloch. Another national organization is Therapy Dogs International which was founded in 1976, in New Jersey by Elaine Smith. There are several advantages to being certified with one of these national organizations. One of these advantages is it lets facilities know the handler and dog team have trained and been exposed to similar situations that might occur in a hospital or similar facility.
Any breed (purebred or mixed) can be a therapy dog. The temperament of the dog is important. A therapy dog needs to be outgoing, enjoy interaction with all ages of people, be non-aggressive towards other animals and dependable in stressful situations. A therapy dog has basic and advanced obedience training, demonstrates ability to not be alarmed by loud noises, allow petting from the tip of the ears to the toes to the end of the tail, be comfortable around mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers. A therapy dog must remain focused on the handler in crowds as well as demonstrate a "leave it" command.
There are several national organizations that certify therapy dogs. Pet Partners was founded in Portland, Oregon 1977, as the Delta Society. It was founded by Dr. Leo K. Bustad (veterinarian), R.K. Anderson, DVM, Stanley L. Diesch, DVM, Joe Quigley, DVM and Alton Hopkins, DVM in conjunction with two brothers Dr. Michael J. McCulloch (psychiatrist) and Dr. William "Bill" McCulloch. Another national organization is Therapy Dogs International which was founded in 1976, in New Jersey by Elaine Smith. There are several advantages to being certified with one of these national organizations. One of these advantages is it lets facilities know the handler and dog team have trained and been exposed to similar situations that might occur in a hospital or similar facility.
Keona was certified as a therapy dog in April 2010. She began visiting a local hospital. Her interaction with patients brought many smiles. In the fall of 2011, she was asked to visit the behavior health part of the hospital. Her first visit was observed by several managers interested in the healing ability of animal-assisted therapy. Much to no surprise Keona won the hearts of many! She continued to visit behavior health as well as medical patients at the same hospital on a regular basis until a few weeks before she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Makaio (Mak) began his therapy dog career at 15 months of age. Like Keona he visits the same hospital interacting with both medical and behavior health patients. He brings high energy to his visits! Mak loves a belly rub or chin scratch just as much as any other dog. With his infectious smile everyone he crosses paths with catches his smile instantly feeling better!
Takoda (Koda) began training for his future as a therapy dog at 9 weeks of age. In addition to his obedience education Koda socialized with several senior citizens, adults, and children in the neighborhood. He enjoys being held, cuddled, rubbed and playing with everyone. His early education has taught him behaviors, manners and the pure enjoyment of being with people. Koda has been following in Keona and Makaio's paw prints as an amazing therapy dog. Koda stops people in their tracks when he says a special prayer for anyone.