Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Therapy Dog in Training

As part of my training to be a therapy dog, I have been allowed to tag along with my K9 big, sister Scarlet on some of her outings. Scarlet is a TDI therapy dog and really loves people.
Here's Scarlet and Momma at the library last summer.

The first time I got to go with her was to a nursing home.  There were lots of people in wheelchairs and scooters.  There were also lots of new and strange smells.  I wasn't too sure about all of it and for the life of me, I could not understand why all these strangers wanted to wipe their hands off on me!

A week went by after that visit and I found myself back in the same place.  After lots of encouragement from Scarlet and Momma, I became excited.  I really wanted to give love to these people who needed me.  It felt good to have a purpose and this time it felt good when they ran their hands through my fur.  I wasn't scared at all. 

Yesterday I got to go visit again, but this time to a new place filled with kids!  (I really like two-legged, short people.)  Mom explained that my job was to lie still while the children took turns reading to me.  It sounded easy enough. 

As kids walked past me they all "oohed and ahhed" at me.  It was ok cause I like the attention.  Then I got to meet Michael!  He walked me on the leash for a bit.  I took the leash from him to show him I could walk myself.  He laughed.  I threw my body against the floor and wiggled and danced while Michael continue giggling at me.  I knew this was going to work great.  Then it was time to read.  I did just as Mom had said and was still and quiet while I helped him sound the words out that he read from the page.  He did a really good job!  He read me a story about a yellow dog named Marley.  Now that's a pooch who really knows how to have fun!!

Momma says I have a very bright future in store.  She's right, of course!

I liked it when Michael showed me the pictures.
Scarlet watched over me to make sure I did everything just right.

8 comments:

  1. That sounds like a great day!

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  2. You look like such a good listener. You are going to be the perfect therapy dog. I can just tell.

    Bert

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  3. So very true! God has big plans for you and your family!!!

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  4. Looks like a great way to spend some time. It would be really cool to have a therapy dog. I am curious about the process of becoming one.
    Just Ramblin'

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  5. You're doing a great job! And looks like you're learning from a Pro with Scarlet!

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  6. Awww, it's awesome that you're helping people! It sounds like it's right up your alley! I wonder how I'd do around lots of children... they'd probably make me so excited that I'd run all over the place. Not exactly therapy dog material. lol

    Woofs & hugs,

    ~Bailey

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  7. AWWW sounds like you doing good so far. Some day, you're going to be a good therapy dogs just like Scarlet. I bet she enjoys her job very much. Good to know you had a fun time!

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  8. Pawsome job giving love to those who need it.:):)

    Thor and Jack

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