The Dog, Gone And Done It!
I had posted awhile back about getting into the St. Johns Therapy Dog Program with Maddy. Well, today was test day!
I had her run both programs, first for work in the hospitals/home with the elderly/vulnerable sector, and then we did the child testing so we can participate in the reading program at the library.
Proud to say Maddy passed with flying colors, and put on quite the performance for the gang.
The tests are pretty neat in how they set up, dress up, props, etc. The volunteers did a really good job at simulating what the dogs will encounter. Wheelchairs coming at them, walkers rattling, canes stomping, bed pans dropping etc.
Then for the kid testing, about 15 kids running around throwing toys, playing ring around the rosey around the dog, then all of them running at her at once. She took it all like a champ.
For the last part we did a one on one reading. The little girl was very shy and wanted me to read to her, so we let the dog do what she wanted while I read, made it a few words in and Maddy snuggled in with the child and they both listened to the story.
I think I was more nervous than anyone, as the book trembled in my hand as I read to her. Very rewarding none the less.
Looking to do an hour a week at the hospital, and 1 reading program a week, also an hour.
Maddy sporting some of her new gear. Have to go get her name put on the back tomorrow, and a rotary club (who sponrs the program) patch sewn on. Her and my ID cards should be ready soon and we're good to go!
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