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Blog Entry 3 of 25 A Therapy Dog's Journal
I was curious about pet therapy when I first learned about it in the mid-90s. Pets can have an important role in the well-being of children, the elderly and hospitalized patients. In 2002, I was ready to look for the dog which would be compatible with me as a therapy dog. I wanted a smooth-haired dog; clean and easy to groom. I wanted it to be small enough to carry in my arms, hold on my lap, and travel in a little crate in the car. It must also be trainable, healthy and have a people-pleasing, forgiving temperament. I liked many of the characteristics of dachshunds. I owned one before, but she passed away in 1997, at age sixteen. This dog won an AKC obedience title. I narrowed my search for another dachshund. There were puppies available, but I didn’t want one from a pet store or puppy mill. In 2004, I heard about a litter in Utah. After several long distance calls and emails, I was excited about the runt. I drove to meet the breeder at a dog show in Greeley. Jewel and I were a good match. We visited for a while then I bought the puppy and brought her home. Jewel is a ten pound, smooth-coated, black and tan daughter of AKC champions. Jewel was sold to me as a pet, and has never been a show dog. But she’s a very healthy, happy and pretty little girl. Some day I might write her story as a book for young children, but am starting with this blog. It tells the adventures of Jewel: Therapy Dog.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~JewelWeekly

Good girl, Jewel

Contributed by: Gail Kirkegaard   on 8/21/2007

Jewel was eleven weeks old and weighed only three pounds when I brought her home. She needed a cozy place to stay when I was busy. Luckily, I already had a small crate that my oldest daughter used several years earlier to carry her rabbit to 4-H shows.

I pulled the crate out from under a pile of forgotten items in the basement, cleaned it up and padded it down with bedding. I've been a dog crate fan for a few decades, and I'm glad to see that word has gotten around that crates are the way to housebreak a puppy. Since Jewel was already using newspaper, Bob and I brought some along with us when we took Jewel out back. Before you knew it, the paper was no longer necessary. She later learned that a sharp bark at the door conveniently got her in and out of the house.

Not actually the star student in puppy kindergarten, Jewel did excel at the "come!" command. Running across the room to greet me as fast as her little legs can go, she created a spectacle that received applause and cheers from the class. While herding breeds dominate overall at obedience trials, I'm proud to say that dachshunds have earned a reputation in dog circles as the most obedient breed in the hound group.

In spite of forgetting some kindergarten lessons of three years ago, Jewel passed her therapy dog evaluation the first time. I was worried that she'd be too distracted by other dogs and activity. Her major issue is other dogs. I think she's fearful, because most are four to ten times her size. A class would socialize her, and she'll learn to chill.

It's my goal to complete another step with Jewel by the end of 2007. I'm looking for a local class where Jewel can learn to be a Canine Good Citizen. The CGC is another little credential for her resume, and a patch to add to her therapy dog vest. I was a Girl Scout leader for several years, and I found out that earning patches can be lots of fun. Want to buy some cookies? Jewel recommends the milkbone flavor.


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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
Submitted By: Gail Kirkegaard
posted on 8/25/2007 @ 5:39:14 PM
(Not Rated)
I've always had a dog or two. I'm glad you like the stories!
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Submitted By: Katherine Jerome
posted on 8/21/2007 @ 5:02:04 PM
Rated Blog Entry
We had a dachshund when I was growing up, and my parents won't own any other breed. They are so special. Your positive upbeat stories of Jewel are wonderful. Thank You!!
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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Gail Kirkegaard

Lakewood , CO

Gail Kirkegaard has posted 25 blog entries and 246 comments since joining on 3/2/2006. Gail Kirkegaard 's average blog rating is 4.86.
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