Blessed

My first day of school

Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 1 PM

A little before 12:30 PM I put on my new therapy dog vest as I prepare to go to school and work for the first time. The vest was pretty loose so my friend in Owner (Dad) worked to adjust the vest so it didn't slide around to my belly. After that I was allowed to wear it for a little bit to get comfortable and then we headed off to my first day of school.

Arriving at school there are all kinds of new things to experience a video doorbell, doors that open slowly, new smells, lots of kids and all these tile floors.

I to got to say hello to the receptionist who I think my dad knows at least he talked like he did. They did some kind of paperwork and my dad got a sticker but I did not, is that fair well maybe it is I wear a vest and he doesn't.

So after we got all checked in we sat in the school office (no I wasn't sent to the principals office already) just waiting on our escort to go to class. After visiting with several teachers and staff our escorts arrive and they took us upstairs to their classroom.

Upon entering the classroom all I could hear was a mild roar of oooo how fluffy, ooo how cute, wow so big I'm sure the how big was talking about my daddy, ha ha.

We went to the reading area and dad put down my red blanket where I sat, laid on my belly, side, and even rolled on my back listening to not one not two but about 20 excerpts of books read to me by the children in the class, they were all very interesting but I didn't get to hear the whole book.

During one of the sessions one of the boys held my paw the whole time, it was so nice, another laid his head on me, and others ruffled up my hair, gave me kisses and hugs.  I was center of attention and was fun.

When we went to leave all the kids and the teacher got together and took my picture, they made me feel like I'm a star. They all crowded around gave me a hug and the teacher couldn't see me with all the kids but I knew dad was there holding my leash and keeping me safe, although I was not worried. We said our goodbyes and then the escorts took us back to the office we had to go back through that security door to get back outside. I crawled in the car and fell asleep, what a life all that loving and a nap

Whats it Take?

It takes time and a real drive to do this.

COMMITMENT to TIME IS NEEDED - As you start you can see people you are visiting count on these visits, in some cases its what they look forward to. 

BEING VISUALLY AWARE - Its not just a visit with he sick or hurt but also the staff. It is amazing to see the staffs reaction to theist and the patients and kids.

A DOG WHO LIKES THE WORK (as well as you)- and it is work

KNOW YOURS AND YOUR DOGS LIMITS - we all have likes and dislikes, we know what we can and cannot handle, KNOW THEM

PAPERWORK, PAPERWORK and more PAPERWORK 

Sample of things you may need:

• Training for you
• Training for your dog
• Training for you both together
• Testing and Passing
• Acceptance into a Therapy Dog Program
• FBI Fingerprinting and checks
• Criminal Record Check
• Child Abuse Check
• Veterinary Heath Certification
• Flu Shot Proof
• Tdap Shot Proof
• TB Testing
• Volenteer Interview(s)
• Shadow Visits
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Heartworm Certification
• Sight Oriaintaion

Our Goals

So, we are now well on our way to providing love and support to other. After being in the corporate world for 40 plus years, this is an exciting new opportunity and we are more than excited to be part of this. It our little way of being able to do something that is positive, enlightening and rewarding not just for us but for the smiles and warmth Bentley can put on someones face and heart.


Goals (in no particular order):

• Bentley will go into local schools and the kids will read to him out-loud to help them in their reading and pubic speaking.
• As of 9/15/18 we have done 3 shadows visits (just me) and with an experienced handler and their dog
• On 9/27 and 9/28 we (Bentley and I) will be going to a school and meeting with kids for the 1st times
• From there we could be assigned a terminate class

• Visiting the Doylestown Hospital - our goal is to visit the chemo area and allow those getting treatment to receive some u unconditional love during this time
• 9/24/18 we have completed the shadow visit and what a rewarding experience going to many of the rooms on the 3rd and 4th flow with an experienced dog and their handler
• We are now preparing the necessary paperwork to actually get accepted into this program

• Visits to the Media Manor a home / hospital for children with major illnesses and or need care
• Our 1st shadow visit will be October 1, 2018

• Special events, stress management, deserter support, and raising awareness