Pet Therapy

[madison1101]

I have to share something that has changed my life in the past week. I got a dog. I love animals and had a dog when I was married, but not since 2000 have I owned one. While I was in graduate school, I became a cat owner, because my lifestyle was not conducive to taking care of a dog.

Well, lat week, I was blessed to come across a dog in need, and took him in, and he has transformed my life almost as much as God did. Taking him for walks, playing fetch, and just laying down and enjoying his presence has caused a radical change in my disposition.

I am so grateful that God allowed this to happen at this time. It is also causing me to lose weight again, as I am exercising more. I also believe that the exercise is helping with my depression, and overall outlook.

Thanks for being here.
Trish

 

[BobW188]

Not just the exercise. Rogers wasn't in it for the "unconditional positive regard" a dog can give. Cats? so much depends on the cat. I recently counted and in my life I've had eleven, including several orphans and foundlings, ranging from almost brotherly through neurotic to outright psychotic.
We currently have two dogs and one cat. Apropos of your thread title, the second dog was rescued from a shelter by my wife about three months ago to be trained as a therapy dog. The process has been challenging as, at about Age 3, she's getting to be a puppy for the first time; and her enjoyment of that gets in the way of her training.
Love 'em, but any one of them - not to mention all three collectively - can support
and challenge my sobriety within a one-minute period.

 

[madison1101]

Not just the exercise. Rogers wasn't in it for the "unconditional positive regard" a dog can give. Cats? so much depends on the cat. I recently counted and in my life I've had eleven, including several orphans and foundlings, ranging from almost brotherly through neurotic to outright psychotic.
We currently have two dogs and one cat. Apropos of your thread title, the second dog was rescued from a shelter by my wife about three months ago to be trained as a therapy dog. The process has been challenging as, at about Age 3, she's getting to be a puppy for the first time; and her enjoyment of that gets in the way of her training.
Love 'em, but any one of them - not to mention all three collectively - can support
and challenge my sobriety within a one-minute period.

It is funny you mention Rogers. I was in graduate school originally in 1990 studying Counseling and I named that dog after him. Her name was Carla. My cats were pretty independent, except one I raised from the bottle and had to litter train, so she was more loving than the other. I had to part with them due to my allergies.

This little guy is very attention seeking and just loves to play, so I am enjoying it immensely.

How do you train a dog to be a therapy dog? I have always been fascinated by that, and was wondering what you have to do.

Trish

 

[BlessEwe]

So glad you got a new pup Trish! Hoping to see a picture soon...

If you look in my profile you will see pictures of mine. The one in the hula shirt is my dear Hanna who passed in 1996. I had her all through my single days. She was called Hannah Houdini because she could escape from anything/ anywhere I put her in.. LOL I sure miss her. She was my best friend.
The sheltie is my Lassie, she is my sweet heart and is so very kind and gentle. And Clara is our beagle who was abused as a puppy so she trusts only my young son and I. We also have a stray black cat outside, and my sisters old 20 year old cat we took when she died.
Bobs right, its always about them. dogs want a relationship, cats could care less.

 

[BobW188]

As for therapy dog training, I'd suggest an internet search. I gather that some states have standards, some don't. I'm in the fortunate position of not being involved in the training, it being wife Gina's wish for some years to get involved in it.
From what I see, the training and testing are pretty rigorous. I know the training syllabus Gina and Bella are following will even include familiarizing Bella with and behavioral training in medical settings.