Post-Evaluation

I can't believe that it may be possible that I am going to get to do the volunteer work I wanted to do -- pet assisted therapy work.  With my own dog.  Theoretically, it has always been a possibility.  Now, after Bridgette's evaluation, it is a stronger possibility.

I did not think Bridgette had the correct disposition for a therapy dog.  I was not even going to fill out the application.  Why bother.  She would back away when people tried to pet her on the head.  Then I figured, what the heck.  An application can't hurt.  So I filled out an application for the Good Dog Foundation.  They emailed me, said her application was accepted and she could come in for an in-person evaluation.  I was a bit surprised, but of course, excited.

We went to the evaluation yesterday.  (What is interesting is between the time I filled out the application and the evaluation, she has stopped backing away from people petting her.)  There were five dogs being evaluated.  The woman did a series of tests with the dogs, testing their behavior in different situations -- with strangers, food, loud noises, a wheelchair, other dogs, etc. -- and observing their reactions.  I felt a bit stressed but kept trying to stay relaxed.  I know Bridgette senses my stress.

She passed with flying colors!  The next step is to attend a basic training class.  If she graduates from that, we go on to the therapy training class.  If she graduates from the therapy class, she is officially certified as a therapy dog and we get assigned to a hospital, rehabilitation center, elder care facility, etc. to participate in volunteer work.  She did so well, that she got to skip a grade and go straight to the therapy class.

I may have, but I am not so sure I would have, done this a year ago.  What I do know is that I am glad I am doing it now.