There's a great web site that we really love,
Dog-Play.com, they offer ideas to pets owners
regarding activities they can do with their pets, in this case dogs. Some great ideas include
camps that you can go to with your dog, games you can play together and other activities.
Our pets are very loving, however, they've never been very much for tricks, travel and games, but they
do love people. I've always felt that I've been very blessed with the presence of my pets and
I wanted to give back by helping both pets
and people at the same time.
Consequently,
I am currently looking into something
known as "Visiting Pets". Dog-Play has some great information on
visiting pets and
animal assisted therapy and how you can get involved. Visiting pets are considered a kind
of therapy dog and both owners and pets are usually required to observe other pets visits first. Dogs
are usually required to pass a "
good dog" test to see if they will be a suitable subject. Therapy pets
work in a variety of environments, many can be quite stressful, so the selection process is important.
Potential scenarios include visiting nursing homes, Alzheimer's patients, children's hospitals and
mental rehabilitation centers. Visiting therapy dogs also work with stroke victims as part of
their physical rehabilitation recovery therapy program. It's not always
easy to get a hospital or nursing home to agree to allow visits from therapy pets so it is important
to take steps to protect the well being of both the people and the pets participants. I'm currently trying
to decide which one of my dogs to take through the program, my smartest and most "obedient" is not
necessarily the calmest and most affectionate. My first observation is scheduled soon and from there
my dog will be tested and hopefully accepted into the program. We will keep everyone posted.
A Pets Blog Journal Archive
