Lily is still young… she’s three years old – but she’s a high-energy, spirited gal who loves to hunt anything that flies or crawls. Manners training: polite greeting, heeling, sit, stay, and down are all practiced daily. We always do this in short, enjoyable, 5-10 minute time slots a couple of times a day, being certain to end on a high note. But, I’ve been letting her enjoy herself outdoors as much as she wants – especially now that it’s sunny and warm.
I will confess that I haven’t spent too much time taking Lily out on practice therapy dog sessions – since the last time we went to practice at the assisted living facility and she had her nose to the floor the entire time pre-occupied with scents as though on the hunt. With the exception of my first therapy dog Beatrice who started her visiting career at the age of two-and-a-half years of age, my other four therapy dogs started their careers at five years and older. Best to let her mature some more, I had figured.
The other day, though, Lily and I took a solo trip (leaving the others in the pack at home) to our town library. It’s a terrific place to train a dog. Very dog friendly… in fact, this summer, we’ll be running a children’s Bright Spot Reading-to-Dogs Program there – requested by both the library director and children’s librarian. Anyway… back to the training aspect of being there… walking your dog up and down the stacks of books is terrific for practicing heeling. By placing your dog between you and the stacks, it keeps her close to your side. This is what we want therapy dogs to do when they’re working in a facility.
Lily and I proceeded to practice our heeling in the stacks for awhile. She did a great job. We then stopped to talk to a few friends who had come in to pick up books. Lily sat patiently at my side, glancing up at me for her next cue. Several people bent down to talk to her and pet her… telling her how pretty she was. She seemed completely serene in this environment… her manner relaxed and peaceful. Unlike her charged-up hunting mode she’s in back at the farm. I was so proud of her behavior. Suddenly, it dawned on me that this was an environment devoid of the stimulation that sparks her animation. (quite frankly, an assisted living facility is chock full of stimulants). Here in the quietude of the library, I was witnessing the loving, affectionate, personable side of this wonderful dog. This, indeed, is a perfect place for Lily to come for down time. To be relaxed. I have to say, when I enter the doors of our wonderful town library, I instantly feel a sense of peacefulness. Lily needs this in her life… to be away from the pack activity, the stimulation of the back field, just as people do.
The library may well become Lily’s place to shine as a therapy dog. When children enter the library, she adores the attention they give her – petting her and hugging her. I have watched James shine with children in the schools we have visited. I am very pleased to have zeroed in on Lily’s perfect place. This is so important when working with therapy dogs… I always tell people in my training classes to find the place their dog is most happiest visiting. Above all, a good therapy dog must enjoy their work. I have high hopes for Lily… it just takes time and consistent work. She and I will be making lots of trips to our library… both of us seeking a feeling of peacefulness.
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