We have applied for this remarkably handsome dog, and the competition for him sounds fierce. The foster "mother" has named him Riley, and we had an extensive discussion about him on the phone last night. She said of all his many wonderful traits, he is super-intelligent and needs meaningful work. "I believe Riley could be trained to do anything you want him to do." (I was gonna suggest vacuuming and putting away laundry, but even service dogs have their limitations.) Jacki (the foster mom) said that he would probably make a great therapy dog, loving on people with handicaps and being gentle around all hurting people.
So I've been thinking a lot. Take a formal obedience class with Riley. Then find out if there is a need and a place that invites canines into their facility for patient visitation days. If so, I'd love to invest in a Therapy Dog training course and bring my love for dogs and lonely people together.
I know it's a lot of work, but it sure sounds to me like Riley would make a good fit. Jacki said he is a dog with a lot of potential because of his eagerness to please, his terrific personality, and his high IQ. We're praying that our application is the one selected for this new beauty.
5 comments:
I hope you get Riley! A therapy dog sounds so nice.
I hope that everything works out.
Oh, I hope you are chosen too. When my Grandmother was in the nursing home a lady came with her dog for Pet Therapy and my Grandmother absolutely loved that time and looked forward to it each week.
Sweet blessings to you and do post pictures of Riley if you end up his owner. :o)
One of my childhood girlfriends just went through the process with her golden. She lives in VA but I expect the process is similar. I can get some details for you if you want.
(And, sidenote, I LOVE the idea! Can totally see you doing this!)
I think this is a wonderful plan. We used to take our dog to the women's prison near our home and let the women care for him. Giving care allowed them to be people again, women again, and gentle again, if they had lost some of that in prison. I always wanted to train a therapy dog to take into nursing homes and hospitals, some day when I have time. Here's hoping you and Riley come to each other!
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