It’s official… King passed his evaluation to be a certified Bright Spot Therapy Dog! I had no doubt that this sweet, gentle soul would pass his test with high marks. He’s got what it takes – a wonderful, outgoing personality. He’s been practicing daily at the nursing home, making short visits practicing the skills and techniques he needs to know. I explained to folks that King was practicing to become a certified therapy dog and that he needs to pass his test to get certified. Last week, one resident said, I say King passes! We love him! And, she was right.
He cozies right up to each person at the nursing home that puts out his or her hand to pet him. He looks up into each person’s face with his soft brown eyes. He’s a big boy, so his size enables him to easily grant a kiss when asked for one. All residents adore him. And, so did the evaluator when she put him through the steps of the evaluation.
The initial part of the test involves demonstrating a solid response to the Sit, Stay, Down, and Heel commands. Then, the evaluator has the dog stand for examination of teeth, head, ears, feet, tail, then withdrawal of food. None of this presented a problem for King. Once through this part of the test, we headed down the corridor, King right at my side in heel position, to interact with residents. King was in his glory, beaming up into each person’s face, eliciting smiles and laughter everywhere he went.
King is my 7th dog to become a certified therapy dog. All of them are, or have been, wonderful. Each of them very different in personality and approach to vsiting people. I have to say, from his performances so far, King is kind of a combination of all of them… he’s got the whole package. I envision a long and varied therapy dog career ahead for this very special dog. Thank you, Judi Hunter, for sharing your wonderful boy with us here on Bridgvale Farm.