Edward recruiting new dogs for Animal-Assisted Therapy program

Edward Hospital is seeking more dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program. To be considered, complete an online application at www.eehealth.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/animal-assisted-therapy. Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.

Those who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on Wednesday or Thursday, April 3 or 4, within a two-hour time slot between 4-9 p.m. at the Edward Sleep Center, 27555 Diehl Rd. in Warrenville.

For more information, call Cynthia Brooks at (630) 527-5305 or email cynthia.brooks@eehealth.org.

To be considered, dogs must meet the following requirements:

-Sit/down/stay/recall/leave it on command

-Walk loosely on a leash without pulling

-Get along well with other dogs

-Perform required commands without treats

-Like people

-Not be overly vocal

-Be at least one year of age at time of testing

-Lived with you for at least six months at time of testing

-Current on all vaccinations

-Free of skin problems

-Prong collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and retractable leashes are not accepted

-Handlers must be 18 years of age or older

Handlers and their dogs are encouraged to have completed a group obedience training class within the past year.

Edward’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program began in 2002 with 15 teams. Today, there are nearly 70 dog/handler teams. Teams have made more than 200,000 patient visits since the program started.