. . . in the distant, early morning . . .
. . . she awoke, tears still streaming . . .
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On our way to Therapy Team
Today Elka had her evaluation at the Oregon Humane Society for therapy dog training. This wasn’t an evaluation of skills, but of temperament. Was Elka pushy about affection? Nervous? Miserable? Was she able to relax? Was she able to be hugged, and then still like the person that hugged her? Could she be manipulated easily, have her teeth looked at, feet touched?
Elka was perfect.
She got hugged and looked at me for support, but wanted to continue interaction with the lady after the hug. She solicited attention several times but when and laid down when it wasn’t forthcoming. She was so relaxed that she took a nap.
So, on March 20th we start the therapy dog classes. We go to every class together, and it will require hard work, dedication, and follow-through. But it could be incredibly gratifying.
I still don’t know if Elka will enjoy this job. If we end up doing visits and she looks unhappy, then we’ll try different venues. If I can’t find one that she looks forward to and enjoys, then she’ll be retired early from therapy work.
But if we can find one that we both enjoy, then this work will become an important part of our routine.
I look forward to this adventure.
-Lisa, on February 9, 2010 at 2:55 pm .::. Comment (2)
She really is a credit to your patience. What does a therapy dog do?
By Anji on February 12, 2010 at 12:27 am .::.
It’s a therapy team, but the dog does need some training. They can do lots of things! The goal is to help others.
There are programs like Reading to Rover where a child gains confidence by reading to a dog (not sure Elka has the patience for that).
The more well known form is dogs that visit hospitals, senior centers, etc, and bring comfort and happiness to the patients. This kind of therapy can help to speed healing in some cases due to a drug called Oxytocin (note: I may have my understanding of that mixed up!)
There are lots of other ways that I don’t know about yet, too. =)
By Lisa on February 12, 2010 at 10:06 am .::.
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