Mattie's first therapy dog job!

[Ginny Nightingale]

After two years of delay, I finally got Mattie off to her first therapy dog job today. We assisted a student teacher of occupational therapy with a class of 5 year olds at a private school. The kids were learning about how to approach a dog so they don't get bitten. They tried out all the techniques on Mattie--she was very good and loved to be with the children. They were petting her and letting her give them kisses. I was glad she was able to stay calm. One of the reasons I held off from taking her out to do therapy work was that she was only 1 yr old when she passed her test and was just too energetic. She would become impatient so easily. She is now 3 and 1/2 and was able to lay down calmly for quite a while. She got a bit antsy at times, but not bad. There were two other dogs there and she was able to ignore them. One was so big, I am not sure she even knew it was a dog! She did a few of her tricks for the kids, too and they loved that.

One funny thing that happened was the showing of a video to the kids that starred a few dogs--well, Mattie barks like mad when she sees a dog on TV--so I had to put her to the side quickly where she couldn't see the screen--luckily, the dogs were "talking" and not barking. That would have gotten her attention!

One thing we will have to work on is Mattie's LOVE of food in any form and her ability to sniff it out! She found a piece of food on one of the kid's sneaker soles and was trying to pry it out for a second before I stopped her. There were crumbs from lunch on the floor (she got all of those) and someone had a bag with a snack in one of the pockets and she started to sniff that too! She never takes food unless it is given to her at home, but when we were in therapy dog class, she was always getting a food reward throughout the class (but not during the test). So, I may have to re-condition her to learn that therapy work does not equal eating.

I go back in a few weeks, so I will be more prepared for the food thing and will work on the "leave-it"s!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is my dream for Fudge. We have a long ways to go. You must be very proud of Mattie!

[Tessa, Ellie and Wheezy]

Good Job Mattie!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Kids and food! Kids WITH food!! Sounds like a GREAT day!! Keep up the good work Mattie!!

[Carol and Banjo]

What a wonderful experience for both of you. I'm sure you're very proud of Mattie! I'd love to do that with Banjo one day! Good Job Mattie!!!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Sounds like she did well. And sounds like lots of fun, kids petting her... what a good girl.

[Betsi]

It sounds like you and Mattie did a great job! You must have been so proud of her! I can't wait for Kirby to be old enough to go.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

How fun for you and Mattie.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Mattie may be the best housekeeping staff that room has ever seen.