Lily and me ready for FUN DAY WITH DOGS at Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
Lily is all set to head to Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Hadley tomorrow for our Bright Spot Therapy Dogs FUN DAY WITH DOGS. Before Lily gets to put on her blue therapy dog vest, lots of preparation occurs.
Lily gets a bath in her special dog tub
She gets brushed to loosen her fur and remove any matts. Then, her ears get cleaned and her teeth get brushed. She loves the poultry flavored toothpaste! A few days earlier, she had her pedicure. This can be unpleasant for many dogs, but Lily is so used to having her nails done – with a treat after each foot is complete! – that she really doesn’t mind it at all. Toes are trimmed 2-3 days ahead so that any rough spots will be worn down before the event. Next, Lily jumps in her dog tub where special dog shampoo and conditioner is applied. Once dry, Lily is trimmed on the grooming table – something she also finds enjoyable because I start with a massage, plus lots of hugs. She loves the one-on-one attention from me and stands like a statue as I run the clipper down her back, ears, and down each side of her body. Within 35 minutes the trim is complete and out the door she goes to play with Annie and King.
Last step is a trim for Lily as she sits patiently on the grooming table.
Many of the twenty-two therapy dogs joining Lily at FUN DAY WITH DOGS will be prepped in a similar manner by their handlers.
Therapy Dogs go out on-the-job brushed and clean wearing their visiting uniform (vest and ID badge).
Lily is pictured at last year’s FUN DAY WITH DOGS waiting for her first reader to arrive. Lily is a Reading Buddy Dog who listens to stories read by young readers .
Come to Barnes & Noble tomorrow and meet Lily and the other therapy dogs doing some amazing FUN things!
Remember, if you make a purchase in the store and hand the cashier a voucher (picked up at our Bright Spot Therapy Dogs info booth), it will be counted toward the donation that Barnes & Noble will make in support of the meaningful work our therapy dogs do in healthcare and educational facilities.