Carolyn writes:

"I had known about therapy animal work for a long time, but I didn’t see an opportunity to become involved until we got Happy. She showed us her aptitude at the local dog park when – instead of running and playing with the other dogs – she would visit with the dog owners, going from person to person and greeting them with lots of eye contact and, sometimes, with nuzzling and leaning. So I took a course about therapy animals and then, when Happy was 18 months old, passed a Delta Society test. Happy has now worked as a therapy dog with a physical therapist in an elementary school and in a nursing home. At the school, she works an obstacle course with one of the students; at the nursing home, she visits with the residents and reminds them of their much-loved dogs, cats, and other animals.

"One of my friends works with an Australian Shepherd, and we have commented that the herding dogs are very engaged with one person at a time. This engagement and eye contact is a real strength, though it also means that they may get overwhelmed with too many people at once, so that small groups or one-on-one situations are best. These dogs like the routine of knowing their job and who they will be working with.

"I am still a novice handling Happy but have learned a great deal about dog behavior, cues, needs, and interests through this project. Plus, Happy has had an opportunity to gain confidence and experience through her therapy animal work. "