Therapy Dog and Tail Waggin’ Tutor

By Reatha Omodio

Five years ago when we brought our Little Miss Beckett, “Miz B” home, I had no idea how many different things we would be doing together. This 10 week-old four-legged fur ball started out from day one to be my own personal therapy dog. Physically, she trained me to run after her, play ball and tug, clean the floors, which she mistook for the grass, and rescue her from digesting various objects of clothing. Psychologically, we played the proverbial human/dog mind games daily. Emotionally she always brought a smile to my face; never left my side when I was ill; taught me patience and on occasion I even learned a whole new language. She’s as sweet as she is stubborn and as lovable as she is ornery. Her tail was in a constant state of motion even as she was being corrected for having done something mischievous. There was hardly a place that we went that Beckett did not come along After all, she was the Kerry greeter and the world was her Walmart.

When she was old enough, we decided to try showing her in conformation. Beckett hated every aspect of the show ring. Getting her to stand on a grooming table looked as if she was auditioning for a part in Riverdance. After all, how could she greet her world from up that high? All she wanted to do was be a dog and have fun. Only with the help of a professional handler were we able to put a championship title in front of her name.

We took many obedience classes, which Beckett never had any difficulty passing. As long as there were treats involved she would paint the house. Since Miz B was so energetic and full of fun, I thought I’d give agility a spin. I’m sure you are all familiar with the expression, “Terriers just don’t compete in agility.” I heard this from two different agility trainers and one rally instructor until I found one that was amazed at the intelligence and cleverness of the breed. She had never worked with a Kerry before and was surprised she had never seen any in competition. She was always amused by Beckett’s intelligence and tail wagging at every sign, and she convinced me that my dog was capable of a lot of things.

Beckett and I were just having fun. It was nice to walk around with your friend, and all she wanted was to see people and get a pat on the head. I think the greatest pleasures in her life are participating in events where she is just a happy dog. Last year, at Responsible Dog Owner’s Day, I thought I’d have her tested for her Canine Good Citizen (CGC). I had no doubts she would pass most of it, but I was afraid she’d go crazy for the 3 minute separation. She co-operated completely and got her CGC title. I was so pleased.

At our rally class, I heard some of the owner’s talking about their dog working as a therapy dog. I was interested in learning more about the program and decided to further research the requirements. Our instructor, Brenda an evaluator for Therapy Dog International (TDI), provided me with the following information and later scheduled a testing date. The TDI test is very similar to the CGC but the dog must be able to function around children, walkers, crutches and various noises without showing any fear or reaction. After the test, an application is made to TDI along with a routine health screen and veterinarian check, which is mandatory for registration and yearly renewal. Dogs are not required to be spayed or neutered, but females may not be in season when participating in therapy work. The dogs are to be clean and groomed and must remain on a six foot leash. The owner must be present with the dog at all times. Each associate member receives a handbook and DVD with guidelines on visitations, rules and regulations and policies. The therapy dog receives a TDI tag, a photo ID and a scarf identifying them as a TDI dog, which must be worn for all visits. If possible, TDI will also list facilities in the member’s area that are looking for trained therapy dogs.

Since there were not very many facilities listed, I placed calls asking if they had programs for therapy dogs. As in many situations there were a few facilities that were totally opposed to the dogs and a few that are very eager and willing to accept the pets. I was extremely surprised at the response from a facility for abused children stating that their children didn’t do well with animals. It seems to me that these children could greatly benefit from the positive interaction with the therapy dogs. Makes me wonder how the facility plans to rehabilitate these children and encourage them to regain their sense of trust?

As a nurse, I’m also familiar with the benefit animals have on patients. The studies have shown that owning or being around a pet can lower blood pressure and heart rates. Pet projects, as described in RN Magazine, (July 2008), indicates that dogs are being used in physical therapy for various methods of rehabilitating patients. Getting an uncooperative child to throw a ball or the elderly person to reach to pet the animal provides both sensory stimulation and range of motion. Studies noted patients that otherwise would not speak or move will respond differently when a pet was brought into the room.

] One facility that I have been in contact with is using a dog pre-operatively for children to ease their fear of the operating room. They are even allowing the child to walk the dog to the operating room entrance. One might ask about the risk of spreading germs? Any fear of disease transmission is minimized with routine veterinary visits and good hygiene practices. Beckett and I will start hospital visits soon to a local children’s cancer center and hopefully to the Shriner’s Hospital. I hope to get her involved with physical therapy because she loves to chase a ball and play fetch, and I believe she would truly add to the patients’ physical therapy sessions Until then, we have been participating in the Children Reading To Dog’s Program: “Tail Waggin Tutors” that has become so popular in the media recently. Beckett and I visit the school and for about an hour, meet with a select group of children that need to gain more reading confidence and oral reading practice. Miz B either lies at the child’s feet or sits and stares at the child as he/she reads aloud. Often she gets the child to laugh because she either licks their hand or knee and in return, Beckett either gets a hug or a big “tummy tickle” when the children are finished reading. That’s all the payment she requires. I just sit by and only respond if a child asks with help on a word. It works because the dogs are non-judgmental and non-threatening, and it makes reading more enjoyable, which instills a sense of confidence in the children. I see it as a way to give something back and hopefully to make a difference.

The first experience Beckett and I had made me a little anxious. I anticipated her to be a little excitable and “antsy” with the kids, but somehow she just sensed that she had a job to do. With her little scarf and her ID badge on Beckett has found her niche in life. It’s not always about the proper groom, or the proper stack, the fastest times or the color ribbon won, rather it’s the affirmation of a waggin’ tail and a big smile on a child’s face that wins the show.

I am pleased with my decision to pursue the therapy dog program and believe that Miz B is also proud of her new role. If you believe your dog has the temperament and the ability, take the test then take the time to give back to your community. The rewards are immense.

Last Updated: 09/15/2008, 7:57 am