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Blog Entry 6 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.

Massive task for a miniature dog
Contributed by: Gail Kirkegaard   on 12/5/2007

Jewel might soon have a career change.

I'm looking into working with Jewel in school literacy programs. From what I understand of it so far, the dog's job in such settings is basically to lay down on a mat with the kids and listen to them read her a story.

Dogs are not picky when a child reads slowly, says a word incorrectly, skips some words or stutters. Having a non-judgemental listener can be encouraging for kids who are insecure about their reading ability. It can also make children excited about books, and help them establish good reading habits.

Since napping and cuddling are Jewel's favorite hobbies at home, we might find it very suitable for her. She hides behind me when there are toddlers close by, but does love running and playing with kids. I know that I will enjoy this too. I miss volunteering with children since my four years as a Daisy and Brownie leader in the nineties.

Here are quotes from professionals about the value of this kind of therapy dog work:

".....we have had the opportunity to work... with students in our self-contained SIED program for students with significant social/emotional and behavioral disabilities many of who exhibit varying degrees of autism. This rare opportunity has helped our staff to train our students to use relaxation skills which have helped to reduce the number of observable outbursts by students in class. Therefore, we feel that the pet therapy program has had demonstrable positive effects on the behavior of our students...."
- Licensed School Psychologist

"The dogs have assisted students in therapy, have participated in literacy activities in our library and classrooms and have even attended special assemblies with students. The dedication and commitment of the handlers is exemplary..."
- Principal

My therapy team mentor suggested that I try this. First, I'd like to observe this kind of work without bringing Jewel. If it seems suitable for her, I'll make arrangements to qualify her for it and establish a visiting schedule with a school.

If she can lay still and not wiggle too much during the sessions, I think she'll get a kick out of reading with youngsters.



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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Submitted By: Gail Kirkegaard
posted on 12/11/2007 @ 10:13:29 AM
Rated Blog Entry
Hi Charmaine. I will keep that one on the back burner. I'm doing my first shadow visit tomorrow at a school that's part of the DU Bridge Project. I'll do this without her, just to see how it works. It'll give me an idea of what's expected. I'm anxious to begin!
Submitted By: Charmaine Robledo
posted on 12/10/2007 @ 12:43:28 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Douglas County Libraries has a Bark for Books program which encourages kids to enhance their reading skills by reading to and with dogs. I think Jewel would be a great candidate for a such a program.
Submitted By: Katherine Jerome
posted on 12/5/2007 @ 2:18:14 PM
Rated Blog Entry
Sounds wonderful Gail. Good Luck to you and Jewel on this new journey.
Submitted By: Erin Feese
posted on 12/5/2007 @ 1:46:44 PM
Rated Blog Entry
How nice! I never would have thought of that, but there is something about having a dog around that is calming. Next thing you'll be telling us that Jewel is learning to read, as well!
Showing 1-4 of 4 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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