Skip to main content

Work in Progress


Therapy dogs must be even-tempered and good natured around both human and animal contacts.  Socialization and exposure to different environments helps to accomplish this task.  People always ask, "How long did it take to train her as a Therapy Dog?"  Truth be known, the training never stops.  Being on the other end of the leash means first and foremost protecting your dog from situations where it might encounter a possible problem.  Your dog needs to be controllable all the time and cope with potential stressful situations.  Being well mannered around other animals that may be encountered is also essential.  This is only a brief summary of a therapy dog's training.  The journey is a continuous work in progress, one that both the handler and dog must enjoy!  Cora and I  thoroughly enjoy our visits at Mayo Clinic Hospital.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Puzzle

Today when Cora and I arrived at Mayo, I was struck with the similarities between staff and patients.  In the radiation waiting area we met with a woman sitting patiently trying to put a puzzle together. With one hand on Cora, she studied the small puzzle pieces to see if they fit the pattern.  After a bit, we walked down the hall, where we met with our friends in Radiation Dosimetry.  Wikipedia describes it as follows: "Radiation dosimetry is the measurement and calculation of the absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from the exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation ."  Simply said, they put together a sort of puzzle at their computers for the patients radiation treatments.  Both the patient and staff focus intently on small pattern pieces, retracing their moves until the pieces fit. When the puzzle is complete there is a feeling of hope and accomplishment!   Cora sits patiently outside of Mayo Clinic Hospital today.
Post a Comment
Read more

Team Work!

Cora and I had a busy 2 days at Mayo this week.  It's always brings a smile to my face when I see the positive reception that is given to us by the patients and their families.  Today brought not only that big smile, but also, filled my heart with pride.  A gentleman that was waiting for his radiation treatment had several questions about therapy dogs and how they functioned in the medical setting.  After several minutes of telling him about the training involved and how we volunteer our time with the dogs, he looked down at Cora who was stretched out across his feet and said, "You are heroes, to be sharing in our moment of weakness"!   Wow, I never would have imagined anyone calling us a hero.  Looking up the true definition, it states, "a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act".   Strange thing is that I look at these patients and draw strength from them.  They stare cancer in the face, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Horizons

  Cora really never stops spreading that "magic" that comes when a person needs that little bit of special healing.  We've been busy for the past few months settling in our new home in Florida.  While in New Jersey visiting with Pop Pop, we met a wonderful young man that didn't allow his disability to interfere with him getting a hand and even a foot on Cora.  The interaction between the two of them was priceless.  It reminded me that we have to find our "spot" here in Florida to continue "heeling to heal" asap!  We'll let you know soon.
Post a Comment
Read more