Positive Outlooks

It was a good day today visiting our friends at Mayo. Cora was excited to be with familiar faces and even happier to show off what a Therapy dog can bring into a small corner of a medical center. Two bell ringings today, symbolizing the last day of treatment and the beginning of new horizons. Cora quickly grabbed the tissue box for one courageous woman who rang that bell proudly. Our gentlemen friend thanked us for being there during the times his wife sat waiting. Hugs, goodbyes and very positive outlooks on their faces. Cora waved goodbye with her paw but quickly turned her attention to the next group of people arriving. She knows so well that adding some comfort and laughter to the group is her job. Therapy dogs help to bring a smile, laughter or just a comforting touch, all adding to a person's ability to form positive outlooks on life.

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Origin of Therapy Dogs

Cora the Therapy Dog I have been wondering for a while now just "who" the person was that initiated the concept of therapy dogs. Found this article to be quite informative from "Wikipedia" and wanted to share with all of our readers. "During World War II, under combat operations against Japanese forces on the island of New Guinea, Corporal William Wynne came into possession of a young adult Yorkshire Terrier abandoned on the battlefield. He named the female dog Smoky . Smoky accompanied Wynne on numerous combat missions, provided comfort and entertainment for troops, and even assisted the Signal Corps in running a telegraph cable through an underground pipe, completing in minutes what might have been a dangerous, three-day construction job which would have exposed men and equipment to enemy bombers. Smoky's service as a therapy dog began when Corporal Wynne was hospitalized for a jungle disease. As Wynne recovered, Wynne's Army pals br...

Bowling for Smiles!

Cora arrived today at the Mayo wearing her new red collar and full of holiday spirit as she tapped the "jingle bells" in perfect rhythm with her paws. For the first time, I actually heard true laughter from several people in the waiting area. One woman laughed so hard and long that it actually brought tears to her eyes. Her first visit was today at the Clinic and she said "it felt good to have a good laugh". We brought with us today what will be now referred to as "Cora's Cart". Inside the wheeled bag are all of her favorite things to share with her friends. We brought out the puzzle next and hid her treats in the wells. Cora quickly solved the puzzle and was rewarded with her favorite treats. The people seated in the area clapped and giggled watching her "take a bow" for her efforts. Ever seen a dog bowl? Well, ask Cora to do that and you'll find a room full eager watchers. I set up 5 pins and placed the ball a sho...

Therapy Dog Journey

Question is always the same. How did you get your dog to become a Therapy Dog. Answer is never short. I begin telling them that Cora was a rescue, 1 yr of age and a victim of neglect and abuse. Started out with some home loving, good food and socialization skills. Then off to the local PetSmart where I met with the trainer. Julie Eskoff introduced me to the world of dogs like I'd never known. Several classes under our belts and we applied to be tested for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. After passing that Cora and I were elvaluated for "divine canines" a therapy dog group out of Austin, TX that we hold near to our hearts. We passed our evaluation after 6 weeks of training at the Austin State Hospital. For the next 2 years Cora and I visited Life Skill classrooms and worked with the most wonderful special needs children. We were also welcomed at a local Alzhiemers unit weekly. There the residents became young men and women, t...

Cora's Magic

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