therapy dogs

Kylie a Therapy Dog After All?

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie and cas 1 1200When John and I set out in 2005 to bring another Lab into our life after our chocolate Lab Cassie passed away, it was my hope my new Lab, Kylie, would become a therapy dog. As it would turn out, as many of you know, Frankie became my therapy dog instead. Kylie wasn’t meant to be one… or so I thought until recently.

I’d often think that if people would just come to our home, Kylie would offer love to those who need it. She does not like getting in the car. She does not like to be outside of her territory as it makes her anxious. Though she has gotten somewhat better at this when we have to make trips to the vet. She can also be a bit skittish if approached too quickly or if she senses someone is afraid of dog’s. Kylie also seems to be quite the homebody and loves her own home and space.

Early last week I shared that we took in my friend, Cassy who is going through a big transition right now. Years ago we fixed up our lower level which is about 1,100 square feet.  It was our family room for many years as well as another room that served as my craft/workout/catch-all room. There is also a bathroom with a whirlpool tub. Plans were to also add a bar, in a small area small we laid down linoleum. That that never happened.  We also have not really used the lower level for quite a few years.

With Cassy needing a place to stay as she moves through her transition it felt like the right thing to do to offer her part of our home. As she moved in, we added a small bar sink and some cabinets, (which we  tend to have handy since John is a carpenter), and now the lower level is complete with a small kitchenette. The craft room became her bedroom and the family room became her living room/art studio.

While the living space is a wonderful place for a young woman to bloom, it is nurturing and love that helps one’s petals to start to feel secure in unfolding. This is where Kylie has taken it upon herself to be there for Cassy in her own, unique way. I can’t tell you how this makes my heart stir with joy.

Cassy didn’t grow up with a dog so she has had to get used to Kylie, as well as, Joie. But something beautiful seems to be happening between Cassy and Kylie. There is this connection that only the two of them can know. Cassy is learning how to be around dog’s and Kylie is finding her way in being a therapy dog in the way that works best for her.

Watching Kylie step up to the plate, offering her support unconditionally to Cassy, has this “dog mama” so proud of her. As Cassy grows in new ways finding her full, authentic self, so does Kylie. A friendship that no doubt will leave a lasting impact on both their heart’s… as well as mine.

I never imagined all the blessing’s that would come our way having Cassy live with us. To know she has given Kylie a “job” she really seems to be enjoying, as well as a friendship that continues to deepen, is just another blessing that I feel so honored to watch unfold. Ok, I must sign off now and go hug that big ol’ bear of mine, Kylie!

Priceless Frankie Memorabilia Gift From My Friend

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_0363 1200Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the month having my “Creative Coffee Break” with my dear artist friend, Cassy.  It was made even more special with the loving gift she presented me with–a shadow box of Frankie memorabilia.  While I knew she was working on this for me, nothing prepared me for the emotions that came to the surface seeing the actual finished piece.

The shadow box contains one of her vests she often wore, her medal for being inducted into the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame in 2009 as Companion Dog, her therapy dog tag, her paw print, a favorite photo of her, and a surprise of miniature versions of the books I wrote about her.

All within this box, held in my hands, are years of tremendous growth for me, with a little dog on wheels leading the way.  I feel tears rise up again as I write this post.

IMG_0365 1200While I’ve moved forward in my life with Frankie as a soft spot that lies peaceful in my heart, these moments of tears and overwhelming emotion remind me again of the deepest love of a dog. How hard, yes, it was to say goodbye to her, but the reflection of the utmost joy she gave me. I wouldn’t trade one single moment of all that we shared despite feeling a hole in my heart at times like this. But what Frankie gave to me is such a gift– and in that gift, I opened my heart to do what she so lovingly taught me- to love again, and love another little wheelie dog.

Cassy (and her framing assistant, Lisa) capturing this for me in this beautiful shadow box means so much to me. A reminder for me to sit in moments of silent reflection on how incredibly blessed I am to have been chosen as Frankie’s mom– but also the love and understanding of a dear friend in Cassy, who understands and gets my heart.

IMG_1451 1200The shadow box now hangs on the wall of my writing cottage beckoning me to sit in the joy of all that Frankie was, and now the joy that Joie brings to me. I am indeed so very blessed. So very blessed.

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I’ll be on Pets Teach Us So Much blog talk radio tonight with Robbin and Joseph Everett at 5:00pm CST.

Answering Readers Questions about “Through Frankie’s Eyes”

Posted by Barbara Techel

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One of Frankie’s many visits to Libby’s House visiting with resident Donna.  Donna loved petting Frankie’s ears!

I’ve been getting such wonderful and positive feedback about Through Frankie’s Eyes. Thank you!  One such reader, Suzan asked if I could elaborate a bit more about Frankie’s work as a therapy dog.

She asked where we went for training.  I did include a link on the resource page at the end of my book, but we went through Therapy Dogs Incorporated.  There are various other organizations and two others I know of are Therapy Dogs International and Delta Society. I did have to first get special permission from Therapy Dogs Incorporated before I began the training because of Frankie’s special needs.

I feel fortunate to have found a woman in my area who was a tester through Therapy Dogs Incorporated. I was able to work with her one on one. I didn’t find the training hard and from what Julie shared with me that one of the most important things is that Frankie paid attention to my moves and followed along. I never realized it before this, but Frankie was very good at that. Frankie seemed to just know what to do when we visited facilities. It truly fascinated me.

Each therapy dog organization works in a similar way in regards to training, though some may require more or stricter standards– depending where you will be doing work too.

Suzan also wondered how I found places to take Frankie for therapy dog visits.  Sadly, there are just not enough therapy dogs as more and more places are asking for them these days.  But I knew I wanted to visit the elderly and was also interested in going to our local hospital. Somehow I heard through the grapevine that Libby’s House, newly open, was looking for a  therapy dog.  Before I even had Frankie trained I called and asked once we passed the testing, could we visit there.  They were thrilled!

I don’t think it’s too hard to find places to volunteer as there is a need in most states. You may even try to find local groups that do pre-training with dogs before you take the big test as there are many groups out there like that too.

Lastly, Suzan asked if it was hard to get school visits for Frankie.  I didn’t find that to be the case.  I did some promotion at the beginning, but once I did a few schools and libraries, the word just spread.  I was also very conscious of not over doing Frankie’s visits and making sure she had plenty of time to be a dog.  We started out doing 2-3 a week and as she aged I cut back to one a week at the most, and then semi-retired her before fully retiring her.  But schools seemed very open to learning about Frankie. And I do think the fact that I had a dog as part of my show, that certainly helped. They keep kids very well entertained. I can’t tell you how many times teachers of the younger kids in Kindergarten and first grade commented how well their kids sat through my half hour presentation.  I always gave credit to Frankie as she was quite mesmerizing and fascinating her wheelchair.

Thanks, Suzan for asking these questions. I hope I answered them for you.