Therapy Dog - Pineridge Kolperla

Special Announcement!

Kol was voted "Top Therapy Dog - 2007" by the Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club

On Christmas Day, 2007, we went to a memory facility. Kol and I "danced" for the group of residents and put on an obedience demonstration. We had a great time and encourage dog families to consider taking the TDI exam so that you can participate in this rewarding work too. If you are interested, contact Therapy Dogs International for more information.

"Ah, finally, a lap."

Since our move, Kol has made several trips to an alzheimer's facility and the people just love her.  They may no longer remember who they are, but Kol's grandma-in-law, who is in the facility, remembers Kol's name.  It is pretty touching to see Kol work with them, sit quietly for petting, and nudge the hand that forgets what they were doing.  

Studies demonstrate that touching a dog brings down blood pressure and heart rate, relaxes a person.  Anyone who has a dog knows this is true and Kol remindes us of the benefits of her Therapy Dog work every time we go.  She is quite a trooper.

Kol passed the Therapy Dog International (TDI) test, earning the TDI title.  We then applied for the TDI, Inc. certification and Kol is now an Associate member of TDI, Inc. (#073265)  Our work will now become official business, but will remain the same joy-filled opportunity to share our beautiful breed with those who need a little love. 

Kol's start with therapy work; a juvenile institution.

What a Carrot!

In juvenile institutions, the goal is to try to "rehabilitate" the minors.  You don't need to be in the business to know that change is only made when the person is ready and willing to participate.  The term "carrot" is used to describe benefits that the kids want and can earn for doing the hard work of rehabilitation. 

I have never seen kids willing to open up like they will for an opportunity to hang out with a dog. 

In 2006, Kol and I participated in a program called Come, Sit, Stay.  Kol was the carrot.  Each girl was required to keep a journal.  Subjects include sobriety, positive self-talk, kindness, forgiveness, and anger management.  They were willing to do anything to work with Kol, the little Carrot.  

They learned a great deal about expectations and patience.  This program has been so successful at teaching them these concepts that the kids even trained Kol to show, stack and were thrilled when she took best puppy in her first show.  They each got a ribbon and the exercises demonstrated how practice makes perfect.  Terrific!  

When we started the program, we called it, "Come, Sit, Stay".  The girls applied for the program, were required to maintain almost perfect behavior and the benefit is, of course, Kol.  Every day, the girls get to spend about an hour with Kol.  Basic behaviour modification at work. 

I started bringing Kol to the facility when she was 12 weeks old.  The girls learned the basics of dog training and set out to train Kol.  The results were immediate and amazing.  They earned the Come, Sit, Stay Certificate within two weeks.  It was too easy for them.  As the American Rare Breed Association show was coming to town, I decided to have them prepare Kol for that.  They did such a great job that Kol came home with 13 ribbons.  I think you can imagine how excited they were!  They each got a second certificate called "Show Ready".

Next, I went out and purchased dog training magazines.  Each girl created a lesson for Kol.  One taught her how to shake.  One taught her how to catch, and one taught her "down".  I have had a hard time keeping up with them.  "Down" was a tremendous exercise in patience as Kol is a little alpha dog.  The girls perservered.  

When we moved away, they were preparing for Kol's AKC Good Citizen Certificate, which she now has.  Every day, they practice the ten items Kol must master to pass the test.  My favorite part of every day is the chasing.  Kol chases them around the yard and each day, she gets faster.  Last week, she caught one of the girls and it was quite a celebration.  They really love her and the entire experience has been a blessing for all of us. 

The girls in the program are not violent.  All have a drug problem.  My hope is that they will seek employment in a pet store or a vet's office or, who knows.  They know that they can't have a dog if they are using drugs, so the carrot to stay clean is a big one.  We know that if they get a job, the chances of them staying clean are much greater.  Now, they have some skills to put on a resume. 

I am sorry that because of confidentiality laws, you can't see the faces of these young women.  They are so joyful when working and playing with Kol.  They act like the kids they are, innocent, loving, and kind.  

If you are looking for somewhere to donate your time and your dog is a certified therapy dog, consider volunteering to do a program like this one.  It is simple and the rewards are tremendous. 

Kol says your dog will love it too! 

I couldn't leave this picture out.  The girls called it, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth".