Animal Assisted Therapy Class

I went to the first information meeting on Monday, August 10. Ten of us were at the meeting. It all sounds very interesting and I am excited to start!! Gabby and I must take a 4 week - 1 hour of training beginning September 17th. They suggest other 'trainers' in the house also attend the training so everyone is on the same page - so Dick will join in this part.

 

The first class will train her on the command - "Leave It" - she must be able to understand this command very well in case medications were to drop on the floor or what have you. 

The second class will focus on touching/manhandling - that is of Gabby, not me - LOL! Anyway, she needs to be somewhat comfortable with touching her feet, hind, tail and face. 

The third class will introduce hospital equipment. Sometimes animals are fearful of wheelchairs and especially crutches. 

The last class we must pass all of the tests and we go into the field. 

I will make a once a month commitment for 6 months and then evaluate, see if Gabby enjoys it and if all is well.  Every month will more than likely be a different location i.e., hospital, retirement homes, shut-ins, and AIDS facilities.  The program serves 250 - 275 visits PER MONTH! They have over 100 companies participating in SF that request the service. 

Some volunteers go more than once a month, depending.  The program is 20 years old and they have it down like a SCIENCE!! They also offer other programs to 'merge' into after you've been established - if needed.

They described the 'perfect dog' for this situation is a dog that pulls at the leash when the trainer is approaching because the dog is THAT eager to meet someone new. PERFECT!! That is GABBY!!!