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.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for the kind comments Cheryl.  It's a bit embarrassing when I show that clip in my presentations to a roomful of college students for the umpteenth time and still get choked up. I don't know why it touches me so deeply, but I like to tell myself that I am role modelling vulnerability ;)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I so admire all you do with Gavin!  I'm having such a hard time getting through people at our university campus. Monty and I visit a local hospital every Saturday morning, but I wanted to do more. Since I work for a university, I wanted the students to have access to a therapy dog during finals week each semester. We managed to visit a residence hall last May during their pre-finals gathering, but that's all. It's a shame.

The only other extra thing we do is attend a "Day without Hate" at a high school where my DH is teaching. They invite different people to talk about various topics, ranging from a holocaust survivor to animal rescue organization. I conduct a workshop on therapy dogs where I talk about the difference between service and therapy dogs. How a dog becomes a therapy dog, what they do, how they help, etc. I also use this time to educate the kids on responsibilities of having a dog, proper training and socialization (I let the kids have his leash and Monty shows off his regular obedience commands as they ask him to).

I love using the beginning of the workshop to teach them how to greet a dog properly. As all the kids enter the classroom and see Monty, they naturally squeal and all run towards him. Nobody notices that it makes him uncomfortable. So I bring it up later in the workshop to see if anyone noticed anything about the dog. A few kids usually do and for the rest it is a great revelation. I love to use handouts from Sophia Yin's website, they are free and kids love them.

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-downloads-posters-handouts-a...

Monty just passed his 2 year re-evaluation for Pet Partners this last Saturday. He is still very excitable so we can only work in "predictable" environment. Although I have to say that he is totally a different dog when we are at the hospital and his vest is on. Everyone comments on how calm he is. I always smile at that comment and Monty and I exchange a wink.

In any case, therapy dogs are helping in such a huge way. I know that having Monty as a therapy dog was my desire, but now I know that I would not do it if I realized he was not enjoying the work. So as long as he is happy visiting patients, we'll continue. And perhaps one day Auggie can join our team. In some sense I feel he might become even better therapy dog than his excitable and impatient older brother. We just need to get through the puppyhood. :-)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

PS. And thank you for reminding me about the shell game. I remember playing it with Monty when he was a puppy, I was using leftover plastic planters. I still had them in the garage and we just played...Monty still got it! I need to get smaller and heavier clay planters and practice with him to put his paw on the correct one (rather than nosing it). I think the kids would love it!

[BG and Gavin]

I think those handouts are a great idea.  Thanks for sharing that resource.  I got lucky at my school that my Dean is a big dog-lover and believer in pet therapy.  She just asked that I notify all concerned parties by email a few days prior to our visit.  It usually goes something like this:

Gavin the Therapy Dog will be on campus next Tuesday between 12:30 and 2:30.  If you would like a visit to your classroom (or office) please reply with your room number and preferred visit time.  If you see us in the hallways, please stop and say hello.  I also include a picture for added interest.

His visit (with picture) is advertised on the college TV for the students to see.  After visiting requested classrooms we just walk the halls (or grab a seat) and I ask anyone that makes eye-contact if they would like to say hello.  I get quite a few requests from staff members for visits to their offices that are looking for a little break during the day.

Monty is a good boy...he knows how to rise to the occasion.  Every Saturday morning is quite a commitment.  Good for you Jarka.  I look forward to Auggie cutting his teeth too :)