Monday, December 01, 2008

Kodie the Therapy Dog - Visit #1

I think I've already posted at some point that Kodie passed her Therapy Dog Certification with Love on a Leash.  I'm pleased to tell you that we completed our very first visit tonight.  

We went to a nursing home here in Lexington and Kodie was unbelievable.  In fact, all of the other handlers couldn't believe it was her first visit.  She was so attentive, quiet, and calm that she showed up some of the other dogs!  Everyone got a good laugh and when their dog did something less than desirable they'd laugh and say, "Take notes from Kodie!"

Of course that doesn't mean she was perfect.  :)  In one of the first rooms she got a little confused.  True to her training but confused about what I was asking.  Because she is a little short, sometimes it was difficult for the resident to reach her.  So I lightly tapped on the bed to get her to put her chin on the side.  However, I failed to remember that that is the cue for "jump up" and she faithfully jumped right up on the bed of the resident.  Yikes!  That may be ok in some facilities with younger stronger folks, but the people were way too fragile for a 40 lb dog jumping on them!  As soon as her toes hit the bed I scooped her up and put her back on the floor.  Shoo, no harm done.  And I do have to say that I really appreciated her attempt to be reachable.

As I mentioned earlier she behaved beautifully.  However, that doesn't mean that any of the dogs were unruly or anything.  Everyone was very good.  It was just surprising to the rest of the group [and some extent me] how wonderfully behaved and comfortable Kodie was.  I'm so pleased and proud that she is my dog.  I can't wait for more visits!

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