Therapy Visit Justified! - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

Fishdogs · 11-13-2009, 05:17 AM

Flounder has been a Therapy Dog since last March. We have been visiting a facility that provides group homes and training for severely disabled adults and children. The group we visit is 10-18 year old kids with acute autism, cerebral palsy, and other severe mental and physical disabilities. most cannot talk (although they can scream a lot), and a couple can do some basic signs. It will be impossible for almost all of these kids to get "mainstreamed."

So Flounder and I go to play with the kids once a week...Our first visit was pretty hair raising. Lets just say I watched my boy for signs of stress for days, before deciding to try again. Many of the kids didn't even acknowledge that we were there. Some were fascinated with touching him, Some would start out petting nicely, then suddenly grab and pull. (this is an excitement reaction) One would pet him twice nicely, then try to smack him.

But Flounder showed no ill effects, and when we went back the next week, he was a little more reserved with some of the pinchers, but the counselors and I have gotten to know the kids well enough to realize when they get too excited and take Flounder to someone else.

So yesterday we go and Flounder spends his time playing with two of the kids that can grasp the idea of throwing the toy (sort of) and having him bring it back...then we get a chance to go see this girl, "T", who has never seemed to acknowledge him before, but she was laying down on a mat and we went to sit next to her...Flounder laid down and "T" actually reached for him...she touched his ears, nose, neck, and held his paw for a few minutes, before going back and just holding his ear between her fingers...She had just a little smile, and I will remember that look forever.

I know this is such a small moment and is nothing in comparison to many other TD's accomplishments, but I'm so proud of my boy, and his patience with these kids. "T" will probably not pay attention to Flounder the next time we are there, but we'll try again...These kids have so little, and I'm so glad that Flounder can provide a few moments of happiness...

3Muttsketeers · 11-13-2009, 06:11 AM

Sounds like he is really doing a wonderful job with these kids!
I really admire people and dogs that do therapy work...I have seen the results and it's just amazing.
Thanks for what your doing to help these kids have a little smile on their faces and hearts.

Jersey Joe · 11-13-2009, 07:01 PM

That is so AWESOME!!!! Great job, all your hard work paying off.
I just got back from the vet, Chloe needed adenovirus vaccine so I can send in her TDI papers. I'm really looking forward to starting.

Txdogmom5 · 11-13-2009, 07:14 PM

That is so neat! I can't wait until me and Bonnie can start making visits to our local nursing homes and hospitals and also our church for chilidren's moments. We are going tomorrow to try for the 3rd time to pass the evaluation - wish us luck!!! By the way, I love that name - Flounder - very unique!

jdog · 11-13-2009, 11:51 PM

Good job. Thanks for sharing

TCRNCOB · 11-14-2009, 01:00 AM

What a great thing you both are doing!!! I would love for Sammy to become a TD at some point. I am a RN and I know this works. Pt's do better.

Keep up the good work.

Pam and Brandy · 11-14-2009, 06:35 AM

Good job Flounder - that sounds like it was an amazing moment.

11-13-2009, 05:17 AM	#1
Fishdogs Retriever Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 367	Therapy Visit Justified! Flounder has been a Therapy Dog since last March. We have been visiting a facility that provides group homes and training for severely disabled adults and children. The group we visit is 10-18 year old kids with acute autism, cerebral palsy, and other severe mental and physical disabilities. most cannot talk (although they can scream a lot), and a couple can do some basic signs. It will be impossible for almost all of these kids to get "mainstreamed." So Flounder and I go to play with the kids once a week...Our first visit was pretty hair raising. Lets just say I watched my boy for signs of stress for days, before deciding to try again. Many of the kids didn't even acknowledge that we were there. Some were fascinated with touching him, Some would start out petting nicely, then suddenly grab and pull. (this is an excitement reaction) One would pet him twice nicely, then try to smack him. But Flounder showed no ill effects, and when we went back the next week, he was a little more reserved with some of the pinchers, but the counselors and I have gotten to know the kids well enough to realize when they get too excited and take Flounder to someone else. So yesterday we go and Flounder spends his time playing with two of the kids that can grasp the idea of throwing the toy (sort of) and having him bring it back...then we get a chance to go see this girl, "T", who has never seemed to acknowledge him before, but she was laying down on a mat and we went to sit next to her...Flounder laid down and "T" actually reached for him...she touched his ears, nose, neck, and held his paw for a few minutes, before going back and just holding his ear between her fingers...She had just a little smile, and I will remember that look forever. I know this is such a small moment and is nothing in comparison to many other TD's accomplishments, but I'm so proud of my boy, and his patience with these kids. "T" will probably not pay attention to Flounder the next time we are there, but we'll try again...These kids have so little, and I'm so glad that Flounder can provide a few moments of happiness... __________________ PK Lichtenberger and the Fishdogs... Prize My Eyes Blackfin Tuna (Mom & couch potato) UKC CH Fishdogs Yellowtail Snapper, RA, CGC (future Therapy Dog) Fishdogs Famous Flounder, RN, CGC, TDI (Photo by Jim Harris Photography) In Memory... Mako, Orca, & Bonita

11-13-2009, 06:11 AM	#2
3Muttsketeers Senior Dog Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Surprise, Arizona Posts: 33,052 My Mood:	Sounds like he is really doing a wonderful job with these kids! I really admire people and dogs that do therapy work...I have seen the results and it's just amazing. Thanks for what your doing to help these kids have a little smile on their faces and hearts. __________________ Ann and the three mutts! 12 of 50

11-13-2009, 07:01 PM	#3
Jersey Joe Senior Dog Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hub Of The Pascack Valley Posts: 738 My Mood:	That is so AWESOME!!!! Great job, all your hard work paying off. I just got back from the vet, Chloe needed adenovirus vaccine so I can send in her TDI papers. I'm really looking forward to starting. __________________ Shannon's Brown Eyed Girl "Chloe" CGC/TDI DOB 6/12/08 Doesn´t matter you didnt win the first prize you always take home best in show!!!!

11-13-2009, 07:14 PM	#4
Txdogmom5 House Broken Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 88	That is so neat! I can't wait until me and Bonnie can start making visits to our local nursing homes and hospitals and also our church for chilidren's moments. We are going tomorrow to try for the 3rd time to pass the evaluation - wish us luck!!! By the way, I love that name - Flounder - very unique! __________________ Home of the 5Pack - Bonnie (15 mos.) Yellow Lab, Clyde (1 yr) Black Lab, Max (10 yrs), Sammy (12 yrs), ZZ (14 yrs) the schnauzers, missing Lena 1998-2009 (my heart lab)

11-13-2009, 11:51 PM	#5
jdog Senior Dog Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NW Florida Posts: 1,155 My Mood:	Good job. Thanks for sharing __________________

11-14-2009, 01:00 AM	#6
TCRNCOB Adult Retriever Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Winter Haven, Fl Posts: 532	What a great thing you both are doing!!! I would love for Sammy to become a TD at some point. I am a RN and I know this works. Pt's do better. Keep up the good work. __________________

11-14-2009, 06:35 AM	#7
Pam and Brandy and Grizzelda too! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 26,325 My Mood:	Good job Flounder - that sounds like it was an amazing moment. __________________

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