therapy dogs

I'm proud to say I will soon be a REAL therapy dog. It's official as of my birthday on HALLOWEEN !! I already took the test once. They told me I am now a canine good citizen. (CGC). Here's what they say about therapy dogs on the TDI website:

The primary objective of the TDI dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship and  increase emotional well being,  healing, and improve the quality of life for those being visited.

The dogs bring sparkle to a sterile day, provide  a lively subject for conversation, and rekindle  memories of their own pets. TDI dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They are real dogs with real personalities and real love to share. Some have pedigrees, some have been adopted from the local shelter. 

The first time a dog prances into a care facility, most people do a double take. A split second later broad smiles stretch across faces. Regardless of how residents look or how they feel, animals are happy to see them.  They immediately respond to tail-wagging greetings and warm paws.

It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching and talking with the animals, a human's blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression is eased.

TDI volunteers make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many by sharing their canine companion with those  no longer are able to have a dog of their own. 

So far, in 2004, over 14,000 dogs and approximately 11,000 handlers are registered with TDI.

TDI is a non-profit organization. All funds are derived from associate membership dues, donations and bequests.