Today we went to Pembroke, MA where Ivan and …..now wait for it….. Jack were evaluated for suitability to become a therapy dog team.
To belong to Therapy Dogs International (TDI) all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog, which is based on the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC). The test will also include the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (walkers, crutches, etc.).
Ivan and Jack passed the test and Ivan is now a certified Therapy Dog. Ivan will need to get a photo ID from TDI and then he and Jack can start to visit Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers in our area.
Jack has never “shown” a dog before but really wanted to do this with Ivan.
Congratulations! That is one of the most unselfish things a person can do. Ivan will enjoy every minute, but his partner will find it hard on occasion. Just watch out for treats: sometimes the patients “save” goodies to give to the dog next week, which is a lovely thought but not always a lovely practice.
Congratulations Ivan and Jack! You will be a team in demand!!
Congrats to Ivan and Jack. I look forward to the day that we may be able to the same thing with our pup. I have witnessed the benefits of this practice especially on the Oncology floors. They provide a sense of ease that most medications can not provide. Well Done!!
You guys just get better and better! Big congratulations to Ivan and Jack. This is a goal that Batty and I have as well. We live within walking distance to a major hospital, and hope to join the therapy dog team there when he’s old enough.
Big hugs to all of you! Ivan is going to bring so much joy to people who really need it.
Congratulations! I think that is one of the noblest things you can do with your dog. I know that when I get to my “golden years”, I definitely hope there are a whole bunch of Ivan’s around to keep me company!
Way to go JACK! I am so proud of you and Ivan for both passing the TDI test. 🙂 I knew Ivan could do it but I was a little worried about you. LOL not!
Lynda, does this mean I have to update Ivan’s titles again???
Julie,
I knew Ivan could do it too…..I was worried about me letting him down!
Jack
Naw you looked like a pro!
Wooohoooo!!! You guys are so awesome. Keep a couple of hankys with you, you will be in tears with the emotions that comes with this job.
Zeus was a TDI certified dog, it was a heartwarming experience for sure. I don’t think I can do it again, it’s too emotional for me and I am such a cry baby.
Congratulations Jack and Ivan. When my dad was at a rehab/nursing facility they let me bring my 2 dogs in when I visited. Everyone came from out of the woodwork to be around Abby and Maggie. Some of these folks were ones that never left their rooms other than for meals. I heard a lot of pet stories the 5 months he was there. Animals really do enrich our lives more than we sometimes realize at the time.