THERAPY DOGS

Tracey preparing for a nursing home visit. Tracey has over 500 hours of therapy work.

Quincey, as a puppy, teaching some pre-schoolers at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind how to pet a dog.

Our dogs participate in therapy visits under the auspices of Therapy Dogs Inc. It is a goal of TD Inc. to help owners of both conformation and obedience, pure and mixed breed dogs, use their dogs for therapy work in various places such as nursing homes, hospitals, and schools as well as work with the mentally and physically challenged.

Therapy Dogs Inc. is a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people who desperately need something to hold and love. It is very rewarding to see the joy and happiness a dog can bring to a resident of a nursing home. These people very often had pets of their own and are so happy to be able to interact with one of our specially trained and certified dogs.

In order to be certified by TD Inc. The dog must first be tested by an approved tester/observer. This test is somewhat like a CGC test. If the dog and handler pass the test, they will then be observed at therapy visits on a minimum of three separate occasions. If the visits are satisfactory the dog and handler can join Therapy Dogs Inc. The dog receives a heart-shaped tag to wear on his collar identifying him as a registered therapy dog.We selected TD Inc. as the organization we wanted to work with because they have such a thorough certification process.

Dogs and handlers are expected to be clean and well-groomed for therapy visits. Dogs must have a yearly exam and stool check. Vaccinations are to be current as advised by the owner's veterinarian. Dogs may only be worked on slip or buckle collars...no pinch or electronic collars, headcollars, or harnesses. A 4 ft. lead is required.

If you are interested in pet therapy contact Therapy Dogs Inc., 2416 East Fox Farm Road, Cheyenne, WY 82007 (307) 638-3223.