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Is your dog cut out to be a therapy dog?
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Many pet owners have discovered the satisfaction of working as volunteer handlers providing comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, juvenile halls, and prisons. Both the volunteers and the community residents become healthier and happier as the therapy animals enrich and positively impact their lives.
If you would like to spend quality time with your pet and make a difference in the lives of others, there are several organizations in the Milwaukee area that can provide training and assistance to make your dream a reality. However, before you pursue the possibility, make sure you and your dog meet the following criteria as specified by Dogs On Call, Inc. www.dogsoncall.org :
• A therapy dog can be any breed or mix.
• It must be at least one year old and have lived with you for six months.
• Aggressively protective dogs or dogs who bite are not allowed.
• The dog must have an easygoing, friendly demeanor and enjoy the company of both adults and children in many different settings.
• It’s important that the dog be able to ignore food that may be sitting on nearby tables.
The human handler must meet certain requirements as well:
• You must be at least 16 years of age, with a desire to volunteer your time.
• It’s important that you demonstrate complete control over your dog.
• You must be comfortable with patients who may have serious health conditions.
If it sounds like you and your pet may be candidates for this type of volunteer work, the next step in the process is to become certified. Therapy Dogs International provides testing in the Milwaukee area through the Central Wisconsin Chapter. For a complete set of guidelines and instructions, go to the TDI website at www.wi-tdi-dogs.org . Here is a summary of the testing requirements your dog must pass to become a certified therapy dog.
1. ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER.
2. SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING.
3. APPEARANCE AND GROOMING.
4. WALKING THROUGH A CROWD.
5. SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND.
6. COMING WHEN CALLED.
7. REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG.
8. REACTIONS TO DISTRACTIONS.
9. REACTION TO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
10. OBEYING ‘LEAVE IT’ COMMAND.
11. ACCLIMATION TO INFIRMITIES.
12. SUPERVISED SEPARATION.
13. SAYING HELLO.
If you think you and your dog are truly cut out to become volunteer therapy providers and are ready to make a difference in the lives of others, its time to go through the training and testing process. The next TDI testing session is due to take place on November 7th. Here is the info:
1007 Pasha Avenue, Mosinee, WI 54455 (Sportsman Repair Shop). From I-39, take Hwy 153 west through downtown Mosinee. Turn left on Elm Street. Turn right on Pasha Avenue. Parking is available on the east side of the building. Please use east side entrance.
Please bring to the testing:
• Brush for your dog
• $10 fee, if you have not pre-paid to hold your spot
• LeashClip or Buckle Collar
• Rabies Certificate or Tag
If you are interested in learning more about local pet therapy organizations, here is a list of possibilities for you to try. Good luck on this wonderful journey to become a pet therapy volunteer.
Pets Helping People, Inc.3200 S. Pinewood Creek Ct. #104
New Berlin, WI 53151
(262) 785-8948
E-mail: ragstu @ juno.com
Therapy Dogs of Central Wisconsin
408 Pine island Lane
Schofield, WI 54476
(715) 355-5321
Lake Superior Paws For Love
P.O. Box 963
Ashland, Wisconsin 54806
E-mail: judiandjohn @ ashland.baysat.net
Bark River Therapy Dogs
W378S5059 W. Pretty Lake Rd.
Dousman,WI 53118
(262)965-3649
E-mail: dogladyg@ameritech.net
Dogs On Call, Inc
208 S Orange St
Richland Center WI 53581
(608) 649-3647
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