Tag Archives: therapy dogs

Leo: One of Michael Vick’s Rescued Pit Bulls

The other night Inside Edition ran a story about one of the pit bulls rescued from Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring. His name is Leo, and he now lives in California with his new owner, Marthina McClay, who’s a member of Our Pack, a pit bull rescue organization. Leo’s Life with Marthina As you might imagine, Leo’s life with his new owner is a far cry from what it was with Mr. Vick and company. Gone are his days of dog fighting. But he still works. Though these days it’s as a therapy dog. That’s right. You read me right. … Continue reading →

Dementia, Depression, and Therapy Dogs

Since my mom is now living with us, I’ve been trying to better understand how to negotiate her dementia. One of the things I knew would help would be Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby. That’s how it was that we launched an informal but very personal pet therapy project. Homework Assignments Another thing I’m doing is reading anything and everything I can on the subject. One book I stumbled across at the library was Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia. It was the “outcome of a program of activities for persons with dementia, developed at the … Continue reading →

Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog

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Training your dog to be a certified therapy dog is not only a great way to bond but also a great way to help people in your community! Therapy Dogs International was founded in 1976 in my own state of New Jersey, but you can find therapy dogs and handlers in all 50 states and Canada. TDI is a volunteer organization that helps regulate, test, and register therapy dogs and their handlers. The therapy dogs are purebred or mixed, and can visit nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions. To become a therapy dog, your dog must pass all the requirements … Continue reading →

Canine Good Citizens

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Since 1989, the American Kennel Club has offered a Canine Good Citizen certification for good mannered dogs and responsible pet owners. CGC certification is a great base for further activities like obedience training, agility, and other performance events. Before beginning the program, owners must sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, agreeing to take care of their dog’s health, safety, training, and quality of life. The Canine Good Citizen test has ten parts: Accepting a friendly stranger. The dog should be neither resentful nor shy, and should not try to go to the evaluator for attention. Evaluator and handler will shake … Continue reading →