Untitled Document

Certified Therapy Dogs
TDI Chapter 126

PAWS TALES

The Princess of the Pier 12 13 01

Today was our third visit to the Family Assistance Center at Pier 94. Cinderella is becoming very popular. When we walked in the building today, people would see her and call out her name. What a great feeling to know that people remembered Cinder and were happy to see her! Cinder would go over to whoever was calling her for her pets and belly rubs. She sure got the Royal treatment today (and loved every minute of it), therefore I've decided to call her "The Princess of the Pier".

Today was another great day. We were accompanied by our dear friends, Sue & Kassi (German Shepherd Dog) Oakes. I find it's nice to have a large and a small dog work together. Some people prefer big dogs, some prefer little ones. This way you cover most of the bases. People seemed especially grateful to have us there today. I can't count the number of people who thanked us for coming. Everyone seemed a little more cheerful, too. Maybe it's the holiday spirit? Or, maybe the special magic of Kassi and Cinder?

Cinder helped a little boy get over his fear of dogs today. I'm guessing the boy was around 2 or 3 and you could tell he wanted to pet the dogs but was afraid. I had Cinder lie down, so she'd appear less threatening to the boy. Then he and I discussed the video, "Cinderella". Before you know it, he forgot to be afraid and was petting Cinder. He even pet Kassi, who in turn, gave him a big kiss!

All in all, it was a wonderful visit. Cinder and I are both looking forward to our visit next week.

Composed by Karen Vogt.

Winter Wonderland at the WTC Family Assistance Center, Pier 94, NYC 12 17 01

Today was a very special day at Pier 94. It was our best visit yet. The atmosphere was very lighthearted. You could feel the spirit of Good Will in the air. The sadness and grief weren't present today, at least not very much. People were much more willing to come up and talk and to spend more time talking with us.

They asked more questions, about the dogs, about where we were from, etc. There were so many children there today. Even they were more willing to spend time with us. Many people asked why we came so far to volunteer. My answer was, it's the least we can do. It's our small way of helping the families and thanking the volunteer workers. One special memory of today was a volunteer worker who came to pet Cinder. She was from South Dakota and missing her father and his Sheltie back home. She said that petting Cinderella made her feel closer to her family. That is why we do what we do. If we can make someone who's working so hard to help others feel better for 5 minutes, then it's worth it. Or, if we can help someone put aside their grief for a few minutes and give them some TLC, we've done our job.

A special bonus today was that many people, family members and volunteers alike, were very interested in the therapy dog program and asked for information about how their dogs could become therapy dogs. I think the combination of the tragedy and the holidays really brings out the volunteerism in people. It's great to know we may have recruited some new dogs and handlers. What better testament to the benefits of what we do, than to inspire people to do the same!

Cinderella amazes me more each time we go. Today, as soon as she got out of the car, she knew where she was, and couldn't wait to get inside. The same thing happened on the way back from the potty area - she couldn't wait to get back inside for more pets and belly rubs. She is such a natural therapy dog and puts her heart and soul into her work!

We were given hand made origami "Lucky Birds" by one of the vendors. It may seem like a small thing, but it was a special feeling when the lady pinned the bird on my shirt and Cinder's bandana. It was a gift from the heart.

A big attraction for all - young and old alike - was the Disney characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie and Goofy were there having their pictures taken with anyone who wanted to pose with them. The kids loved it. So did the adults. It was great to watch everyone having their pictures taken with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. The adults seemed just as excited as the kids. Cinder had her picture taken with Minnie Mouse. It was adorable.

Authored by Karen Vogt.

EXERCISE FOR 2002:

You've seen those ads on TV promising amazing results from all sorts of contraptions. Well, there's no need to invest in fancy equipment. If you have (or can borrow) a dog, you have everything you need to get in shape now!!! The following exercises can be done anywhere, anytime.

Inner Thighs: Place the dog's favorite toy between thighs. Press tighter than the dog can pull. Do not attempt bare legged - dogs who favor shortcuts to success will just dig the toy out. You could be damaged.

Upper Body Strength: Lift the dog - off the couch, off the bed, out of the flower bed. Repeat, repeat, repeat. As the dog ages, this exercise is reversed - onto the couch, onto the bed, into the car and so on.

Balance and Coordination, Exercise 1: Remove your puppy from unsuitable tight places. If they're too small for him, they're certainly too small for you. Do it anyway! Balance and Coordination, Exercise 2: Practice not falling when your dog bounds across the full length of the room, sails through the air, and slams both front paws into the back of your knees. Balance and Coordination, Exercise 3: (for use with multiple dogs) Remove all dogs from lap and answer the phone before it stops ringing. Balance and Coordination, Exercise 4: (alternate) For older dogs, attempt to cross a room without tripping over the dog. Get off your couch without crushing any part of a sleeping elderly dog.

Upper Arms: Throw the ball. Throw the squeaky toy. Throw the Frisbee. Repeat until nauseous.

Upper Arms: (alternate) Tug the rope. Tug the pull toy. Tug the sock. Repeat until your shoulder is dislocated or the dog gives up (we all know which comes first).

Hand Coordination: Remove foreign object from dog's locked jaw. This exercise is especially popular with puppy owners. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Remember, this is a timed exercise. Movements must be quick and precise (think concert pianist) to prevent trips to the vet, which only offer the minimal exercise benefit of jaw firming clenches.

Calves: After the dog has worn out the rest of your body, hang a circular toy on your ankle and let the dog tug while you tug back. WARNING: This is feasible only for those with strong bones and small dogs. Have you taken your calcium supplement today?

Calves: (alternate) Run after dog - pick any reason, there are plenty. Dogs of any size can be used for this exercise. Greyhounds are inadvisable.

Neck Muscles: Attempt to outmaneuver the canine tongue headed for your ear, mouth, or eyeball. This is a lifelong fitness program. A dog is never too old or too feeble to "French Kiss" you when you> least expect it.

Author Unknown.