Our first 'therapy' visit is tomorrow

[sara722003]

It's something I've always yearned to do. Never had the time. Met a woman with 2 G.Pyre's at the dog park about a month ago that said she goes out twice a month with her dogs. I told her I would never give my dog a bath (they stress how clean the dog needs to be) monthly, let alone every other month, but as his coat is immaculate, she kept asking me to please check into the program called Pets For Life. She said NO WAY did they demand that your dog was pristine, just thoroughly brushed and take your own slobber dobber rag. I put a Canine Good Citizen on BossMan during his early years, hoping to do this exact thing with him. So I've gone through their training and certification program, and THE MAN is headed out with me every week from this point forward to mental health facilities. I AM JAZZED. Will let you know what we discover.

 

[NewfK9]

Congratulations, looking forward to all the stories and pics'

 

[KodysGrandma]

I'm sure you will enjoy it. Kody was a real hit. I don't do it with Thunder, he doesn't quite have the personality.

 

[Carlina]

You will love the experience, Nana and I love going to a Nursing Home.

 

[R Taft]

You will both enjoy it..........have fun

 

[newflizzie]

So cool, let us know how it goes! I hope to get Liz's CGC in May but won't be able to take the TDI test since she's not a year old yet - but would love to do it someday. Can't wait to hear about it!

 

[Angela]

I'm sure you will really love it and have fun together.

 

[newfy]

Congradulations & good job! Merlin is perfectly behaved & trained & he visits a local nursing home, they love him; we bathe him every 2 to 3 months or so, just brush him out for his visits, the residents just love him! (even if he stinks)

 

[new_2_newf]

have fun and send pictures!

 

[Erika]

enjoy and yes pics

 

[pabusinesswoman]

Congrats! It is so nice when you go out and see the folks eyes light up when they see the dogs.

 

[Jorge's mum]

looking forward to the updates this is something I want to do with Stanley but have to wait till he is 9mths till I can apply, have fun xx

 

[Tricia2]

You rock 'em BOSSMan! Let us know how it goes, Sara. I bet he'll be a star!

 

[sara722003]

Ok. Interesting day. We were sent to an institutional residential home for folks with mental illness. I am totally comfortable in these invirons, as my Mom was someone who planned activities for people with severe mental redardation many years ago. I grew up with tons of folks I adored 'cooking' or 'going on walks' , 'exploring gardens', whatever...just enjoying life. So BossMan and I headed there.

It was great. After 50 minutes, he was exhausted. I didn't expect this. He ADORES people rubbing his butt, or whatever, but I think he truly worked to absorb the boy he needed to be for each of these 60-70 folks we saw. He was received with such open arms from folks who aren't even verbal.

I wish I had done this years ago. You DON'T NEED an immaculate Newf to start these therapy programs. Just provide a rainbow of sunshine to some life they used to know. Help folks who adore dogs, and would love to connect with your own.

 

[NewfK9]

So cool, let us know how it goes! I hope to get Liz's CGC in May but won't be able to take the TDI test since she's not a year old yet - but would love to do it someday. Can't wait to hear about it!

Things will all go well, unless some senior resident is wearing a 'scrunchie' rofl

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

[sendchocolate]

So awesome. This is what I want to do with Poppy. I cannot wait. I think she has the personality for it. She is warm, open and loving. As she calms down from her puppyhood, I think she will be an ideal therapy dog. Only time will tell.

Glad you had a great experience! :sunflower:

 

[Tricia2]

Paraphrasing Winston Churchill (species change) "The best thing for the inside of a person is the outside of a dog." You and BossMan did a good thing for some people who really needed some hug therapy. Great work!

 

[Bsmiz]

That's fantastic! My hope is to one day do something similar with Quinn.

Can you talk about the training program you've been through?

 

[sara722003]

Actually, I put a Canine Good Citizen on him early in his life. (Always wanted to use him for 'therapy' work, but for general training purposes, this is a great thing to have from your local kennel club). Takes about 8 weeks, and you're doing fine!

Pets for Life, Delta, or several other 'therapy' groups often require dogs to go through their own reqt's to see if they are temperamentally ready for this type of work. Honestly, if your dog has been thru basic obedience and passed, I believe your dog would pass this test. These folks are SO HAPPY when one of these big bruisers join in, they KNOW people just gravitate toward them and are SO INCREDIBLY happy to have them come and spend a minute or two showering them with affection.

My first advise to acquire the CGC. After that, everything is easy. They so WANT these large breeds, so please at least try to 'share the wealth' of owning these magnificent dogs. BossMan's tail would NOT stop wagging, and the people in this institution were so thrilled with him, several just followed us around non-stop until I finally had to make it clear that it was time for them to stay back and we would make sure we came back in a couple of weeks to see them again!

 

[newflizzie]

Things will all go well, unless some senior resident is wearing a 'scrunchie' rofl

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Okay, I just about spit my drink out on the screen! :lol:
I'm just hoping the judge isn't wearing one first!