National Puppy Day

Did you know that today is National Puppy Day?  Let me share about my rescue dog, Riley.  We rescued Riley in November 2012 from the Poodle Pooch Rescue site.  Pretty scruffy looking when we got her (see pics below) and after grooming became this beautiful dog. (see pics).

  and today  
After retiring I was trying to figure out my purpose in life and a fellow dog owner suggested I get Riley certified as a Therapy Dog.  We first had to go through the Good K-9 Citizenship class where we were trained in how to handle the dogs etc.  Then we had two days of Observation to become certified as a Therapy Dog.  If you don't realize what it takes let me share a little bit of info.  For instance, we had to learn when they find food on the ground they have to know "Leave It".  This was done by laying several treats on the floor in a row and we each had to take our dog through this process one treat at at a time.  Then you have to make sure they are comfortable around "walkers and wheelchairs" some dogs didn't fair so well.  But, in the end, we passed and we have been visiting Day Care, Assisted Living as well as Memory Care facilities throughout The Villages until the pandemic struck.  

What a blessing it is to see what these Therapy dogs can do.  Not only do they help the residents remember times when they were younger, it brings them joy petting and seeing the dogs and of course we always have to show off the latest tricks they've learned.  It brings me so much joy to see how people react and makes me happy that I have made this a mission of mine to continue with our monthly visits.

Now if that's not enough, Riley is a R.E.A.D. (reading education assistance dog).  We visit a class of first graders every Friday for one hour during the school year where the children take turns reading to her.  A normal day would be between 4-6 students depending on their level of reading.  What a joy this is as well.  They look forward to seeing and reading to her and then after we are done reading we go back in the classroom where the children can pet her and see her do tricks.  AND Riley gives homework!!  The best part is the parents will send pictures to the teacher showing their child reading to their own pet or stuffed animal.  At the end of each school year we give each child a book where Riley has written a personal message to each child letting them know how well they did and how much their reading has improved.  It is such a wonderful feeling doing this and knowing that if it makes the difference in one child's life it was all well worth it!! 

Won't you share a story and picture about your dog?  I'd love to see it!