Therapy DOGS - Giving and Getting.....

This wonderful photo of me with these two adorable children, was taken by Emily Bartlett at the Polk Central School. I was there as part of the 21st Century Afterschool Program for the Foothills Humane Society Education Program. I believe at this point we have been to all of the elementary schools in Polk County as part of this innovative program.

We always try to ask the children if they know what a Therapy Dog is?? I am not even sure I know, but basically, a therapy dog, according to the experts, is a dog used in all types of settings for emotional service only. There have also been some reports that there are physical benefits from having us come around but it is hard to document..besides, I really do not need all that for me to know that I bring smiles to the faces of most folks. ( Well, not everyone!) One gentleman at a nearby assisted living would see me and proclaim that "the wolf was there" and leave abruptly!

A Therapy Dog is not to be confused with the most honorable Service Dog title. They are in a class of their own and do all kinds of tasks and are used mainly for folks with disabilities of some sort. I do not take direction very well and thus, do not have what it would take to do this work....I don't do much of anything on command...."shake", "dead dog", and "come" are words I pretend not to hear!

Interacting with people comes naturally for me, but I have to confess that I think I take away more than I give most days. Isn't it that way with "giving" ? I also reap many extra benefits....I get lots of attention... one day I even had 4 little girls massaging me all over. I thought I had died and gone to doggie heaven!

In all seriousness, the best gift I can give a person, no matter the age, is to look at them and "say",
WITHOUT saying a word..that "I love ya man" just the way you are.

P.S. I have been asked to please remind all of you caring folks to please make sure an animal is TRULY orphaned before taking it away from it's home and possibly it's mother! This applies to all wildlife and also kittens as Mother Nature knows best...so please, please, leave these animals alone unless you are absolutely sure they are orphans. Thanks!

CHAMP