Put ten dogs, all different breeds, all different temperaments, in one auditorium. Now, try to control yours with a simple command amidst the noise and chaos. This is our first experience bringing Java, our mild but pleasant 8 year old chocolate English lab, to a therapy dog training session at Misty Pines. Although the first few were challenging we agreed that by the third one, as things were running smoothly, that she was ready for the final evaluating test. During the sessions, we trained Java in the typical commands such as sit, stay, come, leave it, and heel. Also, she had to remain calm around other people, dogs, and distractions such as bikes, wheelchairs, and crutches. Java followed all these commands at the test and was certified to be a therapy dog.
Therapy dogs are an important part of the community that are often overlooked. For our Girl Scout Silver Award Project as we trained Java we realized this. Many people don’t see the importance of a therapy dog until one is there, greeting them with a wet nose and warm eyes in the hospital or senior home they are in. Even for us on the other end of the leash we felt the effects of the friendly fur ball making us feel a little better.
It was nice to walk down Rebecca Residences hallways and see the residents’ faces light up as the portly chocolate lab wagging and smiling their way greeted them. Both of us felt good improving the seniors day by doing something as simple as petting a dog as it is clinically proven to reduce depression in the elderly. Java exceeded our expectations when she met the seniors as she was forthcoming, gentle, and friendly. And at several classes with younger children she was exceptionally calm and agreeably tolerant of insistent petting and bear hugs. Seeing the effect of Java, even if it was short-lived, on the people that she visited and helped us teach we know that her cooperation and good nature is really what has made it possible to embark on the Silver Award Project.
