Mya the Therapy Dog

It’s official. Mya has the sheep skin or in this case the certificate that documents that she is in fact an associate member (in good standing) of Therapy Dogs International, Inc. After passing the two hour Canine Good Citizen test and filing the proper veterinary paper work I mailed the annual $35 registration fee and the rest is history.

Our first assignment was to find organizations in the area that would be interested in visits from Mya. I contacted the Greens of Elgin, a retirement center that offers assisted living if requested, Rosewood nursing home, St Joseph and Delnor and Sherman Hospitals. Both Wendy and I feel that a three day week is about all Mya would be able to handle. We have met several people that know both Mom and Dad Bill and Connie and even Scott. The process of gaining access for visits ranges from just showing up (The Greens) to filling out a volunteer application (Rosewood) to four hours training and background check for the two hospitals. I received a call from Sherman Hospital and with the opening of the new hospital off of Randall Rd the first of December things are a little hectic. They tell me that their requirements for dog visitations are more involved than other hospitals. Not only is the four hour volunteer training required but both Mya and I will have to go through an additional four hours with a certified dog trainer.

On our way out of Rosewood last week a lady stop to talk with me and introduced herself as a regional manager with Hosts and expressed a great interest for our services. Seams that the demand for certified therapy dogs out weights the number of dogs there are. People are interested in bringing their pets but when they understand the training requirements they become disinterested.

We will go through the hospital orientation and a few visits before we consider tackling hosts.

The people we visit are very grateful for the time we spend with them.