Dog Therapy by diane, www.spokesdog.com

We have been certified as a pet partner team through the Delta Society and visit retirement centers, convalescent facilities and hospitals.

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever volunteered to do.

The three most well known organizations that offer certification are; Delta Society, Therapy Dog International and Therapy Dogs, Inc.

There are other therapy organizations and you may find an organization in your area via the internet under dog therapy, pet therapy or animal assisted therapy.

Any dog who passes the screening process can be a therapy dog. Mixed breed or purebred, big or small, short or tall. When I walk into a facility with a Doberman people are surprised at the gentleness of his nature as we all know their reputations by the general public are not the best.

Hopefully I can help dispel the Doberman reputation. And, he is so tall patients don't need to bend to pet him!

Species other than dogs can be certified but as this is a dog site I will limit this piece to canines.

Different organizations have different requirements. But, with most of them your dog needs to be one year of age and pass a three part screening process. Health, skills and aptitude. The health screening is done by your Veterinarian and certifies that your dog is healthy and free from parasites, disease and infections and all shots are current.

The skills test, modeled after the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen
test evaluates whether the animal can be controlled by the handler and follow basic commands.

The aptitude test is designed to simulate conditions you may encounter on a visit. How would your pet react around a wheelchair, walker, cane, noises, slippery floors such as in a hospital, elevators, crowds of people, and being hugged and petted by more than one person at a time?

There are training classes to help you and your dog pass the skills and aptitude testing. You can contact the various therapy organizations to help you locate a class in your area. To watch a patient's eyes light up when they see your dog, pet your dog, communicate with your dog when they have not spoken to a human since entering a facility, or just smile is rewarding beyond words.

Most animal people have read studies proving how petting a dog can lower one's blood pressure and possibly expedite the healing process.

You and your therapy dog will definitely brighten the day of the any patient or resident of facilities you visit. You will also be welcomed by many of the staff at these facilities who also look forward to the pet visits. I know if I were in a hospital I would love to have someone visit with their therapy dog. Wouldn't you?

Please mail your questions to askdiane@aol.com