Are there any Canadian Therapy Doodles?

[Gail & Max]

Max is going to be evaluated in Mid-February to become a Therapy Dog. What has your experience been like? Is it as easy to become involved with hospitals, schools, etc in Canada, and more specifically Southwestern Ontario, as it seems to be in the States? Therapy dogs seem so much more a part of the mainstream there. I haven't heard of any dogs that go to schools here and just wonder if that is just the way it is through the local school boards or if its like that all over Ontario and Canada.

[Lorraine Bromley]

Hi, I do know that my trainer Sylvia Gottschalk of Delightful dogs is a trainer for therapy dogs. She may have answers about where to utilize your skills. She is in Kitchener, Ontario
Lorraine

[Rob Lesperance]

Not to sure if this will help but, the father of our Doodles, a Golden Retreiver, was a therapy dog and was one of the main reason we got them. Our breeder, Thistleridgedoodles, in Erin Ontario may be able to help you. They have both parents and could possibly give you the info you are looking for. Good Luck! Hope this helps.

[Stella]

You can do a Therapy dog certification through St John Ambulance. I'm not sure exactly what privilages that gives you though.

[Gail & Max]

Thanks for all the help...I guess I'll just wait and see what happens when we go to be evaluated. From what I understand, there is about a 6-8 month training process. I'll let you know more about the process as we go through it.

[Joanne]

Hi Gail! I was just wondering if Max passed his evaluation and if he is currently working as a therapy dog?

[Gail & Max]

Hi Joanne...Yes Max passed with flying colours! We haven't started working yet but we are close. I had to get a police clearance and reference checks....and that is almost finished. The person in charge of TPOC in our area is also employed by our local university and travels alot for work...so the ball is in her court right now. I heard from her this week so it shouldn't be too much longer.
I'm pretty sure we are going to be going to Hotel Dieu Hospital here in Windsor. I know they are also in need at the Alzheimer's Society but that is only a day program and I'm at work until 5pm every day.
I'll keep you posted about our progress!