It’s always a pleasure to talk with a group about the meaningful work our Bright Spot therapy dogs do in healthcare and educational facilities. People are often surprised at the many different environments in which our certified therapy dog teams visit. Yesterday, my therapy dog James and I, along with Bright Spot Board member Patti Tibbetts with her dog Velvet, and Bright Spot volunteer Ern Damon with his dogs, Lilo and Tucker, spoke to a group of folks who live at The Gardens in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
I start every talk by explaining the qualities of a good therapy dog. All dogs are wonderful, but not all dogs can be therapy dogs. A therapy dog is extra special. Not only must a dog have a friendly, outgoing personality, he or she must enjoy meeting new people and going into strange places. Not all dogs are at ease in such situations. Along with a superior temperament, a therapy dog must be well-trained in basic obedience skills and under the handler’s control at all times. The best way to explain this is to let the dogs speak for themselves. And, (if only dogs could speak) Lilo and Tucker, two great danes, Velvet, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and James, an English Setter, showed by their example what therapy dogs are like. All four dogs sat or lay down by their handlers’ sides during the talk. During Q & A time, the dogs mingled with the assembled group.
Patti told attendees about the visits she and Velvet make to patients at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts. Folks enjoy having a visit from a sweet, friendly little dog while they’re in the hospital, she told the group. Ern spoke about the experiences he, Lilo, and Tucker have had in our Bright Spot Reading-to-Dogs Program held at The Westhampton Elementary School. Dogs are very good listeners. They don’t interrupt or criticize. Children look forward to their special one-on-one time reading to the dog, Ern explained. I spoke about James’ varied seven-year career as a therapy dog visiting patients in hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, Alzheimers units, children’s reading programs, and hospice. James’ work with hospice patients spanned a period of three-and-a-half years and was extremely moving. People at the final stage of life find great comfort from the presence of a calm, friendly therapy dog.
We’re hoping the folks at The Gardens will spread the word about Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. We’re always looking for more good dogs to train and certify. The growing demand for our volunteer services far out-weighs our current number of available therapy dog teams. Visiting as a Bright Spot therapy dog team is a win-win situation. Volunteers have often said, I get such a great feeling watching my dog making people so happy. This is the best thing I’ve ever done. Check out our website to learn more about Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc.
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