Lower Right
Isabella AKA Bella
ARBA GRAND CHAMPION,
HUNTER, & THERAPY Dog
A Truly Versatile Hunting
Dog
By Denise Hanna-Nosko
Lower Right Isabella AKA Bella ARBA GRAND CHAMPION, HUNTER, & THERAPY Dog |
A Truly Versatile Hunting
Dog
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| Riding in the passenger seat is my hunting partner, she looks
as though she is anticipating another day of excitement. Today the hunt will be of a
different kind. The retrieving will not be for downed game, instead it will be tennis
balls, rubber squeaky toys or a special bumper. The test of steadiness will be next to a
wheelchair or a walker. The only water work will be jumping puddles to keep feet usually
fond of swamps clean and dry before entering the hospital. Her morning will be spent with
someone in need of rehabilitation so they might be able to return to the field for a day
of chasing pheasant or grouse. The patience she practices while on her "job" is a wonder to me as her hunting companion since I have seen her "out of control" while waiting her turn to do her field training. The depth of her intelligence I will never fully understand but she knows her role as an Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) dog. When the red harness goes on each week her demeanor changes from hunting companion /housemate to one of great importance: her head high and tail erect we enter the hospital for an AAT session. |
This "job" began after she was one year old and
able to take the Canine Good Citizen test. The test was the first of many needed in
becoming nationally certified with Delta Society as an AAT dog. First she had to intern
for six months as an Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) dog which required weekly visits to
several areas in the hospital. The AAA visits were mainly patient handler interactions
with a bit of petting by the patients—these visits were true tests of her patience.
Then testing at higher levels to qualify as an AAT dog. We work closely with a
recreational therapist who sets goals for each patient and directs the sessions. Walking
with wheel chairs, tip toeing around oxygen tubes and sitting on chairs, are a few of the
weekly tasks she meets with a wagging tail. Words do not convey what her presence does in
these sessions but the smiles that are produced even during painful rehabilitation tell it
all!
Reprinted from: |
SILENCE
By Evelyn Colbath
No ribbon or trophy, no Best in Show-
No paycheck is needed; in silence they go.
To bring warm smiles and laughter and a warm loving paw.
Recognition ? Not needed…
A therapy dog is on call.
Soft fur-gentle nose, alert shining eyes.
On the job, making rounds they are angels in disguise.
No parade or confetti no brass band for show-
Hearts beating with Love in silence they go.
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