My GSD, Rudi, has recently been accepted as a therapy dog. Our other Shepherd, Kimber, has just passed her assessment. This means that we can take them to places such as hospitals, nursing homes and special needs schools. I was wondering if such a scheme existed in other countries.?
http://www.petsastherapy.org.uk

We have PAT dogs here too, same scheme I assume.

There is a Pets as therapy programme here too, it seems to be run under the Guide Dogs lable.http://www.guidedogs.com.au/Content.asp?z=2&c=12&p=93 Great organization and kudos to you, and the dogs, for joining it.

When my son was eight months old he spent a week in hospital. THere was a little garden ourside the ward and one of these dogs came to visit - he didn't come inside but the kids well enough went to visit him in the garden. My little fella was too young and sick to care but the kids that went out were really uplifted. Was nice to see.

Yes, there are therapy dogs here in the US. In fact, I met one just last week while visiting our local PetSmart store. Dogs are invited to shop along with their owners! Here is an example:

Therapy Dogs

What a wonderful way to help others. Well done RMG.

Yes, we have them too, amazing in a country that doesn't exactly treat animals completely right, although we are getting there. We have Doctor Dog, a group of dogs who go into school playgrounds , so that young children can confront their fears by petting them. It is lovely to see.

Congrats RMG! You are certainly helping with a wonderful cause.

When I had cancer surgery last fall, I missed my dogs so much. The hospital I work at, and where I was a patient has a therapy dog, Grace, a bischon frise. She was such a comfort to me. She would lay in bed and let me pet her for a long time. It's amazing how much she calmed me down.

She is owned by the hospital chaplain, but we all feel like she is one of our own. She even has her own hospital ID.

I utilized Gracie's services for a lot of my patients, but until you are on the receving end, you don't fully appreciate the love, care and work the owners put into these marvelous dogs.

We do have a multinational hospital, and we do have one faction of physicians that detest Gracie being there. Fortunately, they are in the minority, so she stays!

One nursing home here has a miniature donkey that visits. And our hospice has a full time Lab living there.

Good luck to both of you!!

I am glad the dog helped you Bullyb, what a positive outlook you have > I hope you are well on the way to complete recovery, you brave girl.

Good for you; I think you will find it a rewarding experience.

We have therapy dogs here too. They really seem to enjoy their job - they love the attention, adoration, petting and treats (with the owner's permission). I'm trying to get my dog into the program, but he needs to become a little more mature.

Ren 33L

Thank you for the kind thoughts. I have a scan coming up soon-I either will be cancer free or the chemo/radiation- - chemo (baaad chemo) didn't work and then there is nothing they can do for me any further .

Thank goodness for this board which is so enjoyable for me and everyone is so kind.

And bless my daughter and son-in-law, who moved in with me to take care of me, plus bought the most wonderfull black and white Bull Terrier (bully) right before I started my year of treatments. He has been the best therapy and hence my screen name.