Getting your foot in the door and keeping it there

[BG and Gavin]

I have been meaning to post this discussion for a while, but the recent certifications by Robyn and Kyoko reminded me again :)

Because I wanted to break into some new places that were unfamiliar with therapy dogs, I needed to "educate" them about what a therapy dog is and how their clients could benefit from therapy dog visits.  I did this by developing a "resume" / letter of introduction.  I have attached mine here (which is geared to the places I was interested in visiting).

GavinsResume2.docx

I also get regular requests to present to classes.  Aside from the usual information, I like to show students this clip to explain the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs (plus it has a positive message on so many levels)

My goal this summer is to teach Gavin how to play the shell game with a treat hidden under one of three pots.  I think the folks at the Stroke Recovery group will really enjoy this trick.

I would love to hear how others have broken in to new placements and/or unique things they do during visits that they can pass on to the rest of us.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am glad for some strange reason I get notices from this group so I caught Gavin's resume. It is great and what a gorgeous photo. And I loved the video. I had to join to tell you : )

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks F.  I shed a few tears every time I watch that clip :)

[Sue]

What a fantastic video. Kramer and I haven't been active for a few years now, and watching that makes me want to go back into therapy.

[BG and Gavin]

So many lessons for all of us Sue :)  I hope you have time to go back to it.

[Kyoko]

Wow, what a wonderful resume!! I am so grateful that after passing the TDI test, the trainer offers a class call "Dynamic Dogs " for newly TDI certified dogs and their owners. Last night was the first night without dogs, and she spoke about the ethics, confidentiality, etc... Also told us to pack a doggie bag containing first aid, extra leash and collar, baby wipes, towels, etc...We will have 3 session at the training site and we will go to University of Pittsburgh together for 6 weeks. I really think this will help us to " get our feet wet" while being supervised by the trainer and other experienced dogs and their handlers. I am a bit nervous, but the trainer said start with 15 min or so and work the way up to an hour. ( the length of the session )She said that most important thing is to be an advocate for your dog....

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Kyoko.  I find one of the other important things is to be a good listener.  As much as it is about the dog, often times the dog is the conduit for the human interaction.  I was at the college for a couple hours today and while the petting was going on, the students really wanted to talk about their courses, exams, their homes, their pets etc.  And with seniors, their need to chat is even more pronounced ;)

[BG and Gavin]

Reading this back, it did not come out just the way I intended. I KNOW of course, that you of all people already know this Kyoko.  No disrespect intended.

[Kyoko]

Oh, I didn't take it like that at all!! :-) I am a newbie in this area! Any suggestion is appreciated !! :-)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Kyoko, "Dynamic Dogs" sounds wonderful. I wish there was something like that here. I feel like we got our therapy certification, but then we're on our own. Yes, we're part of a wonderful therapy group here -- but there's no additional training.  No place to ask questions, etc. Please keep us posted on what you learn.

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

This is excellent, thank you so much for sharing.

[BG and Gavin]

You are very welcome TDM.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

BG, I'm glad I didn't miss this.  It's a great resume and a beautiful photo! Thank you for everything you do to help us newbies! I'm choking back tears after watching the video. I just love dogs on so many levels!