How much training do service dogs have to go through?      "Therapy Dogs are different from Service Dogs.  Therapy Dogs take training and go through a physical test set up for them by the Team Evaluator.  There have to be 5 to 7 people in different situations testing them for noise, buzzers, loud and clumsy petting.  They have to go through their obedience lessons in a noisy crowd and stay where you tell them to while wheel chairs and walkers whisk around them close to their tails.  They are graded every two years and can progress in their registration in different levels of work.  They have to be very well behaved and very clean at all times.  They also have to be evaluated by a veterinarian and pass a physical as well.  They are insured and bonded for liability as well."

How do hearing dogs learn sign language?

     "They would learn just like they would learn to fetch. Every time they respond correctly to a sign, they are rewarded.  It doesn't take them long."

What kind of things do therapy dogs do?

     "Therapy dogs are professional visiting friends.  they are trained to share a lot of love and companionship with those in Nursing Homes who are lonesome, Hospitals where they might be worried or scared and in schools, where they might give you a demonstration on caring for Tricks.  They learn their manners, and they might just lie there beside you while you read a book or sing a song.  A physical therapist will many times use them to help a person learn how to use different parts of their body that has been injured, like brushing a dog with the arm that is getting better, or throwing a ball for the dog.  One little girl just liked to have Emma lie on her bed in the hospital and whisper in her ear.  Emma loved it, she could have stayed there all night."

    "Therapy Dogs must have a bath before every visit.  They can have no chemical on them that might make a person ill.  their nails must be smooth,  their teeth clean, their ears clean and we always carry their bag with us.  The bag has a brush, extra leash if someone would like to walk the dog, toys or balls, blanket, wipes, baggies, and of course treats.  A therapy dog must re-test to keep his/her certification every 2 years.  Emma is beginning her 4th year as a Therapy Dog.  She is starting to show me which type of work she likes to do best.  She can be very funny.  If she thinks she wants to hurry to the next patient, because they might be more fun, or have more treats, she starts looking at the door, and back at me.  Most of the time, she just enjoys the attention.  She gets very excited when she puts on her special vest and I pick up her bag.  She starts to wiggle from head to tail."

What is your dog's name?

    " Miss Emma Jane, She is 5 years old, and has been spayed.  She's a small Golden Retriever with a very sweet face and soft eyes that she has learned to use very well in her favor.  Especially if she would like something you have."

What is your favorite part about having a therapy dog?

    "My favorite part of having a therapy dog is it allows you to be the owner, trainer and handler of a very special dog.  Most Service Dogs, Handicapped Dogs, Seeing Eye Dogs, Seizure Dogs, etc., are trained and matched up with the new owner who needs them to help them in their life.  The Therapy Dog program allows you to keep your pet and do very meaningful work with them as well.  You become very close when you train and work so hard together, and the very best part, are the smiles and sweet tears of the people you make feel better for that visit.  It's very rewarding, and pays yo back in more than money.........it makes you feel wonderful!"

Are there any stories you could tell about your dog helping someone?

     "There are so many, but one that really will always stand out in my mind.  a sweet little girl, about 6 years old with her mom were in the hospital.  We peeked in the door to ask if they could have a visitor, and would like Emma to visit, you always ask first.  Her mother was delighted , the little girl was on a special breathing device to help her lungs function in and out with her breath.  She had a very serious condition.  She couldn't play or have pets, because she was so ill, she was always alone.  Emma must have known, because she went right up to her and put her paws on the bed beside the little girl.  She asked if Emma could come on the bed, and I asked the nurse, she smiled and said of course.  We put Emma's blankey on the be beside the little girl, and I asked her if she would like to brush her.  She was delighted.  Usually, Emma thinks she should have a treat for this, but this time, she seemed to sense this little girl needed something  special.  She curled up beside her and just lay so still while the little girl brushed and brushed.  She would kiss Emma on the head and tell her how much she loved her.  Her mother looked at me and started asking all kinds of questions about Emma, she seemed so pleased.  She said she had not seen her little girl so happy in a very long time and wanted to find her a pet like Emma.  She started to cry, and of course, I got tears as well and was trying so hard not to cry in front of the little girl.  She never noticed, I don't think she even cared or remembered that I was there, but I'll bet she will always remember Emma.  We stayed there a long while, till she was tired and falling asleep, and we left her a doggie pencil and picture of Emma.  Those are the kind of visits you will always remember.  That's when you realize why you did all the training and work with your dog.  That's when you and your dog become a very special team."