This past Saturday, Emmett tested to become a registered therapy dog through the Delta Society, an organization dedicated to “Improving human health through service and therapy animals.”

We began training together to be a therapy team in September. The work included medically-specific distractions (wheelchairs, walkers, loud noises, etc.) added to basic commands like heel, sit, and stay. While Emmett is Mr. Personality, he does get rather excited to meet new people and try new things – an asset in therapy situations, but not if his excitement couldn’t be managed by me. So that’s what we’ve been working on since September: keeping him on a loose leash with his attention on me, even if there’s something so exciting on the floor or new people come into the room!

Saturday’s test consisted of two portions, skills and aptitude. And while he didn’t do perfectly… he passed!! I’m so excited and proud of him!

Now I just have to fill out and submit all the paperwork for us to be officially registered, then it’s off to volunteer! I’m so excited, and I know Emmett is going to enjoy working with kiddos as much as I am.

For more information about the benefits of therapy animals, or to find out how to get your dog tested, visit the Delta Society online at www.deltasociety.org. It’s a fantastic organization!