For three years, in his role as a therapy dog, Emmett visited with a group of kids who were residents at a mental health hospital near town. Once a week, we'd spend an hour with 15 kids aged 8 to 11. They snuggled him, hugged him, kissed him, requested trick after trick after … [Read more...]
Therapy dog recertification test. Gulp.
I rarely write about Emmett's therapy dog work. I should. It's wonderful and touching and fulfilling. It's also a little draining - for me, not him. That might be why I don't write about it, I suppose.In addition to reading at the library and other public-education … [Read more...]
Emmett jumps through hoops – literally – to teach teamwork
Every other Friday, Emmett and I participate in the pet therapy program at a mental health facility near our town. We primarily work with the children who live at the facility and fall between the ages of 6 and 13 or so. Occasionally we'll spend time with the younger or older … [Read more...]
Therapy Dog Work at Girl Power
Yesterday, Emmett and I volunteered at Girl Power, an event designed to promote leadership and self-esteem in grils age 9 to 14. Our booth focused on responsible pet care and animal advocacy. It was an awesome event, and I was incredibly impressed with all the girls who stopped … [Read more...]