Libby completed her therapy dog requirements in November and has been awarded her AKC Therapy Dog title. She passed her therapy dog evaluation and was certified by Therapy Dogs International in Feb of 2014 to begin making therapy dog visits. We have been visiting a nursing home and she is always a welcome visitor to staff and residents alike. She is always a happy girl and so many of the residents brighten up when she visits, often reminiscing about the pets they had over the years. She has even, on occasion, been able to calm some of the memory care residents when they have been having a bad moment. She senses that the residents are sometimes very frail and she is always very gentle.
This is AWESOME. Congratulations Lisa and Libby.
I know how much people enjoy the pet visits.
Great picture. You can really see Allie in Libby’s beautiful “big” head.
Super news! Congratulations to both of you.
I have a friend who certified her therapy dog. It isn’t easy, according to her. She has a fluffball, and hers was not easy to train. Libby, however, is like a true therapist (I’m just a little biased!) – I’m sure she senses the situation with each person she encounters. I am so glad you did this, Lisa. These visits are often the remaining highlights in life for them. Over the past month, here at the Surf Villa, Dutch and I have met many other owners, and many people who are visitors. One man we often meet tells me the same thing every time: “I used to have German Shepherds. I love the breed. So majestic, so regal, so smart. I miss my girl.” Each time, he would pet Dutch, and enjoy Dutch’s loving kisses. He said the same thing every time we met. Before he left 3 days ago, he told me that he was on the waiting list for Vicker’s Landing (assisted living) here. I’m so glad Libby is giving so much to so many, Lisa. Congratulations!
Libby definitely has her fans and she has taken a shine to several residents over the last 2 years. I let her lead the way and she always heads to their rooms to visit with them 1st. I realized that most of them are ones that are not very mobile and seldom in the common areas. On some level I swear Libby knows they are the ones that need her visits the most. One of her favorite residents passed away about 3 months ago. Rose always lit up when Libby came in the room and she would pat her head and tell her she was wonderful, beautiful and from what I understand those were some of the few times she spoke. Libby looked for her for quite a while after she passed and finally one day did not lead me to her room on our visit.