When I teach folks who are interested in having their dogs become therapy dogs, I always tell them that doing therapy dog visiting is just like doing any other job… you keep on learning. And, so it is with dogs. They evolve into better and better therapy dogs with each and every visit.
Five of my dogs have been therapy dogs over the past 19 years. Three of them have not. Of those who were therapy dogs, only one – Beatrice – my first therapy dog, was a natural at the job right from the first visit. This is pretty rare – and I’m thankful that Beatrice was such a dog… she is the dog responsible for launching my passion. Each one of my other dogs has evolved into their role – improving their technique with each visit. Personality wise, each of my therapy dogs was very different; each in their own way, great visitors – loved by those they visited each week.
Currently, James is my only visiting dog – since his sister Julia died last November. He never ceases to amaze me – and fill me with pride. Yesterday’s visit to our local nursing home was no exception. In fact, he outdid himself. He was in rare form… first making the rounds of the physical therapy room: greeting each person receiving therapy with his tail wagging; positioning himself just-so to be petted on his head or ears or his back. Around the room he went – his head held high, a smile on his face, and a tinkle in his eye. Everyone asked to pet him again – and around he went a second time.
From there, we take the elevator upstairs to visit our Alzheimer patient, Constance. Here we spend about half an hour. Constance is very sad and confused, and refuses to get out of bed or interact with anyone. James changes all of that when he gently sits or lies down on her bed. Yesterday – as he carefully positioned himself to lie down next to her… he placed his forelegs around her as in a hugging position and placed his head down on her chest. Constance smiled and said, James is my friend. James loves me. This was truly a magical sight. This dog was so in tune to her sadness and need for comfort. He knew just what to do – and did it ever-so- gently. He just lay there in that position. And, Constance kept smiling. He never ceases to amaze me. He is a remarkable dog.
James didn’t start out this way. He’s been visiting now for four years and he’s ten years old. He just keeps getting better and better.
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