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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Congrats, very we'll done.

Congrats , way to go both of you . The smiles will be your reward .

You and Maddy can be very proud. I know that we are!!

:thumbup:CONGRATS Maddy you are a very special dog for sure and be proud Jason you done well. You will defently brighter some peoples days with what your doing:thumbup:

That's awesome. brent

Congrats. I know you'll enjoy it. My Sara and I look forward to our visits.

Congrats. That's one to be proud of.

That's awesome congrats!

Well done!

That is fantastic. Congrats to you both for sharing your time to help others.

Now isn't that great!. My JRT definitely wouldn't pass the test.:whacked:

Woo HOO!! Am sure you and Maddy will find it a very rewarding activity without bringing a ribbon or dinner home!

(Told ya to give it a shot! �� )

Congrats TR she turned out just like her mom.

That's fantastic! Congrats!

Well done. To both of you!

A terrific program and Kudo's to both you and Maddy!

Wow TR, That is very touching. Good for you and Maddy for volunteering. It will be appreciated for sure..

Wow, that's awesome Jason. Good for you to give up some of your time.

Congrats. Think of all the good karma that you're going to earn!!!!

Congratulations Jason and Maddy . You will enjoy every minute as you watch the faces of the folks you will be visiting.

Thanks everyone, got her vests and stuff back from the sewers, she's ready tagged and ready to go! just waiting on our schedule.

Well, just got the new years schedule, and we will be doing our first visit, on the 12th, at the local library, doing the "tails for tales" child reading program. Really looking forward to it.

Way to go!

My BLF would never be able to do therapy work. She is a hyper mental case but I am sure that is my fault!! LOL

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Jason, not only is it rewarding in a very special way but also very unselfish of yourself and of your dog for giving up your time. Congrats big guy, to you, Maddy, and your family...

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

Well, just got the new years schedule, and we will be doing our first visit, on the 12th, at the local library, doing the "tails for tales" child reading program. Really looking forward to it.

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Where's the LIKE button?? Have fun!!

Thats great news Jason and Maddy. You both have made us proud. It is a great feeling when a dog you had a small part in having success. It never gets old.

Good on you !!

Her papa NMH GMH QFTR HRCH Blue North's Arctic Tundra WCX is proud of his daughter. That is him in my avatar.

Chris
B - Line Retrievers

So fortunate Maddy came from such a great well bred dog her mother Roxanne. Just like her mom. :)

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Originally Posted by 3 black dogs

Thats great news Jason and Maddy. You both have made us proud. It is a great feeling when a dog you had a small part in having success. It never gets old.

Good on you !!

Her papa NMH GMH QFTR HRCH Blue North's Arctic Tundra WCX is proud of his daughter. That is him in my avatar.

Chris
B - Line Retrievers

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Tundra is one helluva dog! Would love to be able to get them together again, and get a few photo's.

From your experience Chris, do you think / know if dogs (whether pup/parent, or siblings) who have moved onto other homes, know, that something is connecting them, when they are reunited?

Wondered if that "dog bond" was there, in the sense that one day when Maddy and Tundra are able to see eachother again, if they would know, hey, you're my kid/dad

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

Tundra is one helluva dog! Would love to be able to get them together again, and get a few photo's.

From your experience Chris, do you think / know if dogs (whether pup/parent, or siblings) who have moved onto other homes, know, that something is connecting them, when they are reunited?

Wondered if that "dog bond" was there, in the sense that one day when Maddy and Tundra are able to see eachother again, if they would know, hey, you're my kid/dad

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I'm not sure if dogs know their family members or not. Have seen many generations of it around here that didn't suggest they did. However, our current herd isn't related, and I have noticed differences with how they treat each other, so perhaps that's a bit of an inkling that suggests they do know. Chris and Pat may have an opinion on this matter.

All I know is that when you're in this neck of the woods again, Chad and I expect to see you for wings again =)

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Originally Posted by BurlyGirl

All I know is that when you're in this neck of the woods again, Chad and I expect to see you for wings again =)

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You know it! Might be sooner than later too... I have changed management (kind of like when a divorced couple fights over a kid, only in this case it was you take him! NO YOU TAKE HIM!")

So now I report to the Southern Ontario manager (the guy I had out with us last time we met up) so I have a feeling he will be utilizing me down there a lot more now.

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

You know it! Might be sooner than later too... I have changed management (kind of like when a divorced couple fights over a kid, only in this case it was you take him! NO YOU TAKE HIM!")

So now I report to the Southern Ontario manager (the guy I had out with us last time we met up) so I have a feeling he will be utilizing me down there a lot more now.

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Isn't that a great way to start the year. :( I had the boss from hell once - no fun.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

Isn't that a great way to start the year. :( I had the boss from hell once - no fun.

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Oh this guy is far from the boss from hell, he is my best friend / co worker, we have a riot everytime we're together, just now, he's my boss. He was in Waterloo the last time I was so he and I met up with Burly and Dyth for wings.