I Passed my Final Competency Test!

Today I had my final competency test at an extended care facility. Since both my mom and grandma (or sister and mom depending on which one you talk to) were also being tested I got to go through that facility twice! There were so many really nice people that I got to see. Several of them asked me to give them kisses which I love to give! They really know how to pet a dog! I was so happy to be there. I loved seeing their faces light up when they saw me coming! It really makes me happy to visit them. One lady told me all about the dog who used to be her companion and how much she missed her. The test was to see how I behaved around the people at the facility and how treated them. The ladies that were testing me told me how well I did! They said that I was a natural!

Now on to the next step. Since both my sister/mom and my mom/grandma are doing internships, I get to do two internships! At the end of the internship, if I do well, I will become a certified therapy dog! I'm so excited!

Nursing Home/Assisted Living test

I just realized that I forgot to let you know that I passed the nursing home/assisted living center test the Saturday before last! The test was to see how I would do walking around the facility and visiting the people that live there. The first people I got to visit were sitting down in the dining room having their lunch. The lunch smelled so good, and I wanted to try some, but I know my manners! I didn't even beg. I visited with this nice lady in a wheelchair who petted me. She held her hands out for me to kiss! I visited some other people in the dining room too. Then we went into several of the rooms where the people weren't able to join the others in the dining room and had room service instead. We visited with two really nice gentlemen in the first room. I think one of the men wanted me to jump up into his bed with him, but there really wasn't room for me to do that and so I stayed right next to him so he could pet me.

There were some things that had fallen on the floor that I saw when we walked by. I was told to leave it because there could be medicine that would hurt me on the floor or some other spill that would be bad for me to lick up. I listened because I knew that they wanted me to be safe.

We visited with some really nice ladies in their rooms too. They all love dogs and were happy to see me! They were sad when I had to leave the room so that their meal could be brought to them. Then I got to visit the people in the dining room again and see the lady in the wheel chair one more time.

The people there were so friendly and nice. they all seemed as happy to see me as I was to visit them. I love being around people and being petted. On November 19, 2011 I have my final test and then start my internship. I am so excited about being a therapy dog!

The Mall Test

I love it when my family gets my harness and vest out of my bag. I wait quietly while they put them on me. I know that this is not just a normal walk that we are going on. It will be something special. On Saturday, I was taken to the mall to see how I would handle all of the excitement, distractions and people. There were lots of noises and brightly colored lights and interesting smells at the mall. Especially as we neared the food court! I walked quietly by Jacqie's side. There were children that ran up to me and wanted to pet me. I stood quietly while they stroked my fur. One boy asked if I gave kisses. Sure enough I gave him some! There were small children in strollers and small children sitting on benches that wanted to pet me. I was thinking that it doesn't get any better than this! I love being around children! I was sad when we left the mall and walked back to the car, but glad that I passed my test. I'm that much closer to becoming a therapy dog!

Kandu - an amazing little dog who really can do!

A Windwalker friend, Noreen, posted a story about a Jack Russell terrier that was born with only two legs. The person he originally lived with took him to the local animal protection league to be put down because he didn't think the dog would have any quality of life. Then he was adopted by a family near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who made a device for him to wear so that he could run around just like any other dog. They even made a ski for him to use in the winter! They named him Kandu as in he can do anything! Kandu also is a therapy dog! He brings hope and comfort to those he visits. I love hearing about another dog to inspire me as I start my work as a therapy dog! To see Kandu in action, click the link below:

http://www.dogwork.com/kan6/?mid=52

Hero Dog Awards

Today I found out about eight dogs that are finalists in the 2011 Hero Dog of the Year awards. Their stories are inspiring! All of these dogs have gone through special training and have provided service to others in the community, just like I am learning to provide. There are eight categories that the finalists represent; law enforcement/arson dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, military dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, hearing dogs, and emerging hero dogs. Each category is unique and each dog has done amazing things. I hope one day to be able to help others and will remember their stories to inspire to do great works!

Today is the last day to vote for your choice as to who should become the Hero Dog of the Year, but I hope that their stories will continue to be available to inspire others. These few dogs represent the countless others that are in the community each day making the world a better place. Please click on the link below to read about these amazing dogs! Thanks to a Windwalker Humane Coalition friend, who let me know about these amazing dogs!

http://www.herodogawards.org/