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Blog Entry 14 of 16 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

Change in plans: good night anyway!

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Contributed by: Gail Kirkegaard on 4/5/2008

Here's my promised follow-up for the Night Owls program I told you about two Saturdays ago. I don't know how I'm going to write a blog about it, because nothing happened.

Planning to go, Jewel had her kitchen sink bath, a custom before going out on her job. Then I got a call late yesterday afternoon from the pet partners coordinator that they didn't need us to go. They decided to take only the first four teams who responded, and we weren't among them. I'm sure we're near the top of the list, because I didn't take too long to make the decision and sign up.

After Jewel had her hour or so to run around naked and dry off, I put her collar back on. This is normally a clue to her that it was almost time to go. So she got into her crate and waited, with the door open, for me to gather things, lock her in, and lift her away to the car.

Well, about then, my daughter, Sarah,came home from college for the weekend. I hadn't expected to visit with her until later because of my plans to do the Night Owls. Instead, I was delighted that she and I could have some time together.

Bob and our other college daughter, Laura, were off running another errand for a couple of hours. So it was nice to have Sarah to myself. We talked about going out to dinner. It was kind of sad to see Jewel looking so confused and disappointed when I put the dogs outside as we left.

Sarah and I went to Jose O'Shea's for supper. (I don't know if Jose's dad was Irish, or how those names go together). They always have great Mexican food at a reasonable price, and excellent service. I recommend the place. You won't be let down. Besides, Sarah worked there during high school a few years ago.

There's a chance Jewel and I can get into the Night Owls program in the future. They plan to assess whether or not they need more teams. I was so bummed. I would still like to do literacy dog, but can't make the comittment at this time. My work schedule and a few other things are uncertain.

We got home, and Jewel did her little happy-you're-home-dance when I let the dogs back in. I had a great evening with my daughter.

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

Submitted By: Gladys Mercier

posted on 4/18/2008 @ 8:06:07 PM

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Glad you had a nice time with your daughter. I haven't been to Jose O'Shea's for years.

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Submitted By: Jamie VanEaton

posted on 4/11/2008 @ 11:24:58 AM

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What a cute puppy! I hope you'll be able to get into the Night Owls in the future!

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Submitted By: Katherine Jerome

posted on 4/5/2008 @ 10:13:04 AM

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Sorry about the Night Owls, but happy that you got mother-daughter time. If you're like me, you cherish every moment.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Gail Kirkegaard

Lakewood , CO

Gail Kirkegaard has posted 16 blog entries and 169 comments since joining on 3/2/2006. Gail Kirkegaard 's average blog rating is 4.83.

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