Keepers' Jess RN TD, wearing the bell wreath, and CH Fairisles Whitegates Powerline "Storm" CD CGC St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog - posing for their 2009 Christmas Card picture. Storm has also been my main demo. dog to teach children about dog safety & responsibility.I can't imagine a day without our dogs. Dogs provide us with so much joy, comfort, and humour. They can protect us, assist us, and even 'force' us to be more physically active! Years ago, when we lived away from this area for a few years, I got involved with St. John Ambulance Therapy dogs with three of our dogs; Spook, a German Shepherd, and two shelties, Diva and Storm. Storm is still with us, and still active as a therapy dog. We visited different nursing homes in Orillia for three years.
To see the joy on elderly faces, to see a hand reach out, to hear stories from those able to recount them, about their childhood dog, is truly amazing. And it's our dogs that bring this out.
I believe for those that have a dog suitable for this calling, it is truly rewarding for everyone involved.
Four of our dogs are presently therapy dogs; Trust, a german shepherd; Tank, a labrador; Storm, a sheltie; Jess, a sheltie.
Jess and Storm are the favorites, both blue merle in colour, and small and cute. Each is fifteen years of age, and may be retiring this year. That will be tough. They have been visiting the same nearby nursing home for nearly six years.
There are never enough well-mannered dogs and owners with the interest, and some time available, to visit the homes and hospitals that would so love to see them.
They make such a difference!
