Journey to training therapy dogs started at local library
This week I was reminded of some earlier therapy visits with my dogs.
When I first trained Tinker Bell to be therapy dog, back in 2009, I was not sure just what type of work she would be doing. I had read that libraries were adding reading dogs to their weekly events so I contacted the Pawtucket Library to see if they were looking for one. I was surprised to hear that they would love for Tinker Bell to stop in. I must be honest; I had no clue on how to run a reading event or if Tink would like it. I contacted the organization she was certified with, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, and they sent me the information I needed.
I learned the program was a national program. Since the dogs do not correct the kids or care if they make a mistake, reading to the dogs builds their confidence in reading out loud and helps to encourage them to enjoy reading.
When we went to meet and greet at the library Tinker Bell sat right next to a little girl as she read Old McDonald to her and when she was finished reading Tink gave her a kiss. We were hired on the spot.
A year later when Wendy joined our family she joined her sister as a therapy dog in training. She too was a natural. Even as a puppy she sat nicely when read to.
We had also expanded our volunteering to include visits to patients at Miriam Hospital, and nursing homes. We were also approached by the Leon Mathieu Senior Center for visits with the seniors once a week.
It wasn’t long before one of our young readers asked if we could visit his class. I did tell him I had to hear from his teacher, but we would be happy to visit. She called me the next day.
Visiting with a class of 5th graders was so much fun. I knew there would not be time for each to read to the dogs so I came up with an informational program. We talked about dogs and how to approach them and of course just what my girls did as therapy dogs.
One week, at the library, we were contacted by Agnes Little Elementary asking if we could visit there for a weekly reading program. Since the dogs loved the reading program I said yes. Over the next two years we were asked by Winters Elementary and Fallon Elementary to start a reading program at their schools. That led to additional invites from school for reading week or special events the schools were having. Since I was retired, I was happy to be volunteering with both dogs.
It all came to a sudden end when Covid hit. Everywhere we visited was closed. Even the dogs were bored with staying home.
Our first visit back was Fallon Memorial. We didn’t go in the school. Instead, preschoolers came out with the carpet squares and sat under a tree while I read a story to them. The dogs were happy and so were the kids.
Little by little the other schools and the senior center opened and we were able to go inside. We never returned to the hospital or library. Because of changes this year in the school’s visiting policy, we are only at Fallon right now but we have done special events at the other school.
After Tinker Ball passed away two years ago Wendy continued being a reading dog. She loves her friends at the senior center and the children at Fallon. She is always up to spending a day or evening at a school or event.
This week we started a sixweek information presentation at Fallon during the children’s COZ program. Coz is an after-school program that provides the children with time for homework, snacks, and fun.
We discussed and practiced the proper way to approach a dog, to pet a dog, and to play with a dog. The kids especially like it when they could interact with Wendy. I think that was Wendy’s favorite part too. Next week a show dog will be coming into visit. The dog’s handler will be showing the students how to work with a show dog. Wendy will be there as a nonshow dog and what she would have to learn to be a show dog.
Have a good week and if you see us around town be sure to say Hi!