Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever volunteered to do. First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page.

Benny, my black lab, is about 5 years old now. (I never seem to remember exactly how old he is.) Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows). He loves visiting our friends in the home. Clearly, this is where he loves to be.

Then there is Nikki, my 2 year golden puppy. Nikki is a typical 2 year golden. She is full of life. She keeps me hopping. And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends. Benny and Nikki are on my dog therapy page.

It has been an extremely busy summer so far. Unfortunately, with work demanding more and more of my time, and with home issues demanding more and more of my time, my volunteering has lapsed this summer. This has created a void in me.

The one thing I have learned about this situation is how much I love the dog therapy visiting programs.

Benny has been a visiting dog for a number of years now. We have always gone to the same home, so we have made many wonderful friends.

Well, after my "sabbatical" I went and took Benny to see our senior friends last Saturday Night. This was an unscheduled visit. I could have cried. They were so very happy to see him again (not me so much). We had a "Benny" party in the lobby.

What a wonderful time my Benny had. Of course! Everyone was petting him, and talking to him. Wow, he was being treated like royalty. A true friend come home.

It was just great to see this joy. We all talked and laughed and joked. Everyone talked about their summer, how they were doing, what was going on in their own world. I felt better then I had for a long time. My new resolve is to go back to my weekly visits. I do not want to miss out on these opportunities anymore.

So, my advice, as always is: If you have the inclination to visit with seniors, if you have a dog that loves to be petted, a dog that loves the human touch, then please go to your local Dog Therapy Group and find out how you can join this wonderful work. It is not difficult to get your dog certified.

The three most well known organizations that offer certification; Delta Society, Therapy Dog International and Therapy Dogs, Inc. There are other therapy organizations and you may find an organization in your area via the internet under dog therapy, pet therapy or animal assisted therapy.

And, for us Canadians, there is, Therapeutic Paws of Canada (my dogs belong to this wonderful group). They offer a volunteer based therapy dog and cat visitation program for senior's facilities such as retirement homes, nursing homes, Alzheimer day away centers, hospitals and where there is a need. The medical establishment has long recognized the significant benefits of a therapy dog and cat program. The petting and stroking of a pet helps to calm the most agitated resident and stimulates wonderful conversations about the pet they once owned. Recovery from surgery is quoted as being accelerated when there is continued contact with a pet. As a result of the many government fiscal cutbacks, the facility's staff is stretched to their limits. The positive impact of our programme on the day-to-day life of each senior throughout our community and beyond cannot be calculated.

There are more links on my personal dog therapy page: http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. As an owner of 3 healthy, happy dogs, I am very much involved in dog training, nutrition and health. You will find links to many dog related sites on my dog therapy page.

http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

---

Mind-Set: The Second Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical to building trust and a lasting relationship with your horse. Your mind-set is the first thing you must scrutinize and work to understand... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually occuring a few weeks after whelping. It is not that common, but you should be aware of it. The breasts of a lactating... Read More

Must-Have Know-How On Your Dogs Meal-Times

One of the best parts of the day for any dog is their mealtimes.Most adult dogs are fed twice every day (in the morning and evening) but large breeds may receive their food... Read More

Golden Moments and Dog Training

Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and Benny are my therapy dogs, and Dukie is my blind dog. Nikki is a 1 1/2 year golden retriever and Benny is my... Read More

Pet Services Are A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

There are many of us who consider our pets as part of the family, and this is evidenced by a recent statistic that states 65% of all U.S. homes own at least one... Read More

Breeding Your Goldfish

If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know that it's not an easy task. It will take a lot of patience, a lot of space in the tank and quite a... Read More

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and my two kids saying that they couldn't find our cat Nala anywhere waked me up. I didn't pay much attention, because it was... Read More

Nikki and Benny, My Therapy Visiting Dogs.

My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends. Here is short report of our visit.First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat... Read More

Your Cat The Hunter

Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would not even dream of going hunting.After all, their cat is loved and well fed. Why should their pet bother hunting down birds, mice... Read More

Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business

If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business here are some facts you should know:?According to the Small Business Administration, home-based businesses account for over half of all the businesses in... Read More

The Neurotic Dogs

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety... Read More

Does Your Dog Have Fleas?

Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully not, but if it does you might be one of the millions of people whose dog has fleas, mites or other miniscule cretins... Read More

Applehead Chihuahua

The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a baby Chihuahua's head. The dome of the skull is broader than the jaw, giving rise to the description "applehead". It takes into account... Read More

The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning question of many dog owners in this day and age. I'm not a veterinarian, just a regular pet owner like yourself, but would... Read More

Kids and Pets, Will it Work?

How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills and self-esteem. Feelings and positive experiences with their pet can help children feel good about their own. Loving a pet can also help... Read More

How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success

Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with a cat that doesn't use its litter box. Yet, patience is the key to creating litter box success. A positive introduction when young,... Read More

Westie Rescue Centres

The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the one at: http://www.westierescuescheme.org.uk/ is for rescuing and re-housing unwanted westie dogs.There are many other westie rescue sites such as the one at: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/IL112.htmlfrom... Read More

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled in hunting and police work, and are always alert and vigilant, making for a very instinctive guard dog. Boxer dogs can bring you... Read More

How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas And Ticks

Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats, humans and other species. There are many different types of flea each one specific to the animal that it lives on. The most... Read More

Tips for Introducing Two Cats

Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat. Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at... Read More

How to Raise a Healthy Kitten

Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your kitten from the whole litter, choose the frisky playful, friendly kitten that is confident and happy to approach you rather than the one... Read More

Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends

Still remember that very moment when you first laid your eyes on your now, ever still most beloved pet? Feeling that very special bond between the both of you when you pick up... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at and mouthing just about anything - but all dogs have an instinctive fear of anything unfamiliar to them. Fear causes stress on the... Read More

How to Ensure that Your Cat is Healthy and Lives a Long and Happy Life

Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for cats to live longer, healthier lives than ever before. The quality of your cat's health is the result of a partnership between you... Read More

The Wire Fox Terrier

Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first used for hunting of some sort and so came up as aggressive and lively), the Wire Fox Terrier has a reputation for scampishness.... Read More

Westies for Sale - Avoiding the Perils of Purebred Puppy Purchases

In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are few rules or laws governing who may breed dogs, and then advertise Westies for sale. Both ancestry and the breeding environment will affect... Read More

Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow. Meow! Meow! Meoooooow! The high pitched meowing persists and penetrates through my feather stuffed shield. Meow! Meow! Meow! My eyes open only with... Read More

Aquarium Supplies Part 1 -- My First Experience With Bettas

Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them and changing the water every once in a while. Sadly, many people aren't aware of that and they just buy aquarium fish because... Read More