My dog? A therapy pet?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Could my dog be a therapy pet?
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When my elderly father entered a nursing home several years ago, Tinkerbelle stared coming with me to visit him. She was so well behaved. She stays in one of those "crates on wheels" until I lift her out for folks to love on her. She's a Jack Russell Terrier, and you may have heard that they can be very lively dogs.
About a year passed when I spotted a service dog and owner at a craft show. We struck up a conversation with her about her dog and Tink. She advised lookin into getting her cerified.
One of the biggest advantages of doing that is she would be insured if she were to bite someone. She gave me some info and I contancted "Love on a Leash" foundation for pet provided therapy.
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Tink was trained and passed her test with flying colors! We had to get testimonies from three staff members at the nursing home regaring Tinkerbelle's activity there and she had to have so many documented hours of service before we became "official".
It is such a blessing to see her interact with the residents. She brings out such emotion in them. The smiles on thier faces are worth a thousand words. Sometimes, folks just hug her and weep. They obviously miss their furry babies.
This next photo is of Daddy with Tink that was taken a few years ago. Sad to say, he can no longer hold her.
Do you think Charlie wants to become a therapy pet, too? Yes, all sorts of animals can become therapy pets! What a blessing they are!
Dogs, cats, birds, can participate once tested and certified. You can read more by clicking the link below.
www.loveonaleash.org
*therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs*