HAPPY BIRTHDAY & CONGRATULATIONS, VIOLET! Today is Violet’s first birthday. What better way to mark this milestone than to become a certified Bright Spot therapy dog. Her evaluation was held at The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The soldiers adored her. One woman, seated in a chair in her room, bent over and hugged Violet saying, These dogs visiting are a God-send. I miss my dogs so much. I always had lots of them. Cats, too. I had to give them all away when I came here. She continued embracing Violet, as Vi sat very close to her, looking up into her face. You’re beautiful, Violet. And you’re so, so soft.
I was extremely proud of Violet today. All our training showed. I knew she was a natural therapy dog from the time she came to live with us at 5 months old. Every skill and technique I taught her, she picked up instantly. Her friendly, outgoing personality is a testament to her good breeding. Puppies born at Berkshire Hills have been socialized from birth on – born in the breeder’s bedroom, handled first by family members, then at 4 weeks of age, handled by the Puppy Buddies Group each week until they leave for their permanent homes at 9 weeks. I’ve had my hands on Violet since she was 1 month old.
Violet could visit in any setting, healthcare or educational, and any age group. To start, she will help with the Bright Spot Reading Buddies Program at The Westhampton Elementary School and work as a hospice dog at Spectrum Home Health and Hospice in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. You’ll be hearing lots more about Violet. I’ll be posting about her visits at each. Stay tuned…
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