Has anyone gone through, "Love on a Leash Program" for therapy dogs?

[Ike, Renee and Gracie]

I just heard about the "love on a leash" and wondering if any Doodle owners have taken their Doodle through the program?

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

No, Webber went through Therapy Dogs International.  If I might make a suggestion...figure out where you want to take your dog to do therapy work and ask them which organization they use.  I was disappointed when I discovered that two of the local hospitals I wanted to go to didn't use TDI.  One was a local therapy dog organization and the other was Delta.  That leaves me with Nursing homes, and retirement centers which were really not my interest.  I wanted to visit with Hospice and hospitalized cancer patients.  Unless I retire the TDI and go through another program, we can't do Hospice in my area.

[Dori & Rua]

That is really a good point you brought up Linda.  I would have never in a million years even considered having to check.  My goal is that Rua would eventually be a therapy dog.  I need to really figure out in way area we would be best suited in and then look into that certification.  That must have been really disapointing.  All I can say is there is a reason that happened the way it did.  There is someone out there that Webber hasn't meant yet, the he is meant to connect with and make a difference in THEIR life!  Go forward!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

We will find something that works for both of us eventually or I will cancel the TDI and re-certify him so we can do hospice work.  I am good at death and dying...some people aren't comfortable with it.  Webber's doodle love would work anywhere!  The Duke/hospice people really wanted me to switch to them.  I am thinking about it.  More evaluations,  training center in a town 45 minutes away, more fees, etc.  I suggest you figure all these things out ahead of time instead of just having the certification be the goal.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow, I had no idea either that they only use certain ones-that's a real shame for you guys.

[Linda and Murphy]

Murphy and I have just been approved for it (last week).  We actually meet for our "exam" on July 16. A new chapter is starting in our area. As soon as I know more I will let you know.

[Ike, Renee and Gracie]

Hi Linda,

Congratulations to you and Murphy!

[Ike, Renee and Gracie]

How long did it take you to complete the program?  Where will you be taking Murphy?  Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, the library for children to read to Murphy etc?