Therapy Dog decisions
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?p=138583#138583 Sadly, the lady who I tried to have test Harry for Therapy Dogs International that day has passed away. We had scheduled another appointment for the end of February and they called to cancel when she went into hospice which is how I found out that she had been sick. I found another TDI evaluator but she had told me she might schedule a test in April. That is arriving soon but I have not heard anything. In the meantime I was made aware of a group here in St. Louis called Support Dogs Inc. I was told by someone that if I wanted to visit children's hospitals that I would have to a member of SDI because they are the only ones allowed in the children's hospitals here. So I contacted them and found out that you need to be evaluated and then if accepted will go through a training class. After that you and your dog are given a touch team ranking and based on that ranking are eligible to go into certain facilities. The man was nice and answered a lot of questions and assured me that I could be a member of SDI and other therapy organizations such as TDI if I wanted. Unfortunately I had been told that TDI does not allow this and I was able to confirm this through the headquarters today that this was a board decision in the fall of 2006. So many TDI people were parts of other groups in the past. So here is the dilemma, do I go ahead and test with TDI and then be limited to facilities in the area that I can go in since many are already working with SDI. Or do I try to get accepted into SDI with no guarantees that he will get it let alone rank well. In the meantime he has visited one nursing home in the area that will allow any dogs in. 
The pros of TDI is you can work independently. The pros of SDI is I could potentially work with kids and that I can still go out with him as a therapy dog on my own occasionally, just not using the name SDI when I do this. I am willing to be patient and try to get him into SDI and if he does not get in then I can try to test him through TDI if I can ever find an evaluator. With this in mind I can put it off if the lady ever calls me about the April TDI test. In the meantime I can continue to take him to the one nursing home so he gets experience. I would appreciate other input on this as I think I will have to make a decision soon. |
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| Are you looking to earn money doing this, or strictly volunteer?
I have visited maybe 5 nursing homes over the years with sheepdogs and haven't been turned away yet. Granted I was in those places to visit specific patients, but nobody seemed to have any problem with me visiting with everyone else too. Joan takes Mulligan weekly to visit a former neighbor, and he's not the most calm dog in the pack. |
SheepieMommy wrote: I am willing to be patient and try to get him into SDI and if he does not get in then I can try to test him through TDI if I can ever find an evaluator. With this in mind I can put it off if the lady ever calls me about the April TDI test. In the meantime I can continue to take him to the one nursing home so he gets experience.
I would appreciate other input on this as I think I will have to make a decision soon. Boy your luck in this area stinks, huh? I think the last option that you mentioned is the best one. That way, no matter what, he'll have a chance at getting into one of the groups. Even if he doesn't rank, he'll at least get some experience and you guys can practice. I'm assuming you can take the tests again? Is it expensive? |
| I have the same experience as Ron. Breena goes to the Nursing Home once a week. Two different ones in fact. All the homes asked is that we could show proof of her shots and we did a trial run the first time in each so that the nurses could tell she was non agressive and well behaved. We go every week now. We don't get any money but its great compensation to see how happy the patients get.
I hope everything goes well with your little one and that you will be making people smile very soon. |
Wow - I would love to work with kids, but I know I wouldn't like having my independence infringed on. A very difficult call. it's silly that the different groups can't see that he is an excellently behaved dog and allow him in by individual status instead of through a group. BUT I suppose I could see where they are coming from time wise as well.  Good luck! |
| Thanks for the input so far.
This is strictly volunteer work and to be honest with you I don't really need to be affiliated with a group for visiting senior citizens since there are two nursing homes in my immediate area that don't require you to be part of a group. It would cost us a "donation" of $120 for the SDI training. Which isn't a lot more than my obedience classes cost me. Generally these groups exist because they cover the liability issues and the facilities you are visiting don't want to take chances on incidents occuring. I guess there is a bigger risk working with individuals. Although I called my homeowner's insurance and there is actually quite a bit of coverage for my dog on the policy, of which I was unaware. Ron wrote: Quote: Joan takes Mulligan weekly to visit a former neighbor, and he's not the most calm dog in the pack.
LOL Ron. You are not alone on this. I took Mospy once to visit my grandfather but I wore her out first at a park to calm her down. But I am really interested in working with kids and especially where they read to the dogs. This would combine two loves of mine: reading and dogs. I always say "when I am Miss Amercia my platform is going to be literacy". Although my time is running out for being Miss America since I am about to turn 43.  |
| I'm at work now for the night, Judi, but will try to give my 2 cents worth.
I am not familiar with SDI at all - is it a local or regional group? I can't give any opinion on comparing the 2 . BTW - do they have a web site? I could read their info if they do and maybe help you more. I have been with TDI for over 20 yrs, 1st as a member and about the last 10-12 yrs also as an evaluator. The new rule about not belonging to other therapy associations with the same dog is new - we all just found out about it with our renewal info at the time. I'm sure that it all boils down to liability - if some incident happened at a visit - which group is held liable?? I can just imagine the mess it would be! Not so bad with someone going on a visit with a group form the same org, but it could be sticky if they went all alone - without really "being with" one group or another. I get to do alot with being a member of TDI. We visit our hospital once a month. We started out just being able to be on behavioral health, but as our reputation grew, and people became used to dogs in the hospital, we now visit every unit except L&D and ICU. We also go to area nursing homes, assisted living facilities, state hospital - even the forensic unit, schools- from preschools, spec ed classes and schools for troubles teens; the YMCA after school program, youth camps, programs for civic groups, company picnics, programs for disabled youth and adults, and more! Our local chapter has about 30 members, but not all are real active. Some only go on group visits, many go to places of their own choice too - to visit family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. We are lucky - we have a great bunch of members in our area and we like doing things. We have a monthly meeting, officers and planned activities each month that are scheduled through our Vice Pres. I know there are many TDI members who are just on their own and set up visits themselves. Judi - you need to go for MRS America with your literacy platform!  |
| Pyr friend has her big boy in the READ program where they go into schools and the kids read to the dog. Zak had been a therapy dog for years but at his advanced age he needs a more sedate job. Looks like he'll be retiring soon as his rear end is giving out.
Judith is very unhappy with the various TDI, SDI, etc baloney. She found the people running the things to be major problems. I can't tell you which one to get involved in, I just know once you are actually doing the visits, that will be the reward and all the baloney that goes with it will be minimized...hopefully. |
| Oh my! I'm not sure what to advise other than to express that this has been such a difficult process. Can you find more places that will just allow a nice sweet doggie?
I have a friend who is a Fitness Director at an assisted living facility. She recently rescued a wonderful black lab who is fantastic with people. He doesn't have any special therapy dog training, it's just innate in his personality. He had one trial day at the facility and now goes to work with her EVERY day for 8-9 hours. He's the official greeter, does rounds, and takes naps in my friend's office. |
| I am still wrangling with this decision. I am already working independently at a nursing home but I would like to let him work with children in hospitals or reading to them.
A lot has happened since I originally posted but here is the update: Therapy Dogs International The evaluator finally called to say the test is scheduled for April 28th. I then contacted the lady who works in the offices where Harry took obedience classes. She is the one who told me about TDI. She has found a hospital in the area that will allow dogs to visit the children's ward. She has had no luck as of yet with finding a library to allow the dog in for children to read to it but she only tried with one library. The main thing is she likes working independently. pros: Working Independently cons: Cannot belong to any other Therapy Organizations website: http://www.tdi-dog.org/childrenreadingtodogs.htm Support Dogs Inc. I filled out the application the day after I originally posted and yesterday in the mail I received a scheduled evaluation date for April 21. The classes would not start until August. After classes we will receive a ranking for the level that we can work. I called today and they told me we will know immediately if he is in the touch program. pros: Can belong to other Therapy Organizations & will get training cons: Have to go through them to schedule visits & Harry may not rank high enough to work with children. website: http://www.supportdogs.org/html/touch.shtml In the meantime we had a very nice visit at the nursing home on Good Friday. Except for pulling when we walked down the hall he was so good. He stood so nice while they petted him and he didn't act scared over any noises even though there were lots of new ones. Just lots of cute head cocking. So here is my game plan for now: Go get tested for SDI on April 21. If he passes then we will do the classes in August and I will cancel the TDI test. In the meantime he will visit his existing nursing home. After we complete the classes if we don't rank high enough to work with kids or I don't like the constraints then I can always test at TDI later. At least he will have had additional training which could never hurt. If he fails then we will take the test on April 28 for TDI. I will have to try on my own to find situations to work with children with TDI behind us. If he fails both then we will continue to work on our own and maybe try TDI again later down the road. What do you think my fellow sheepie owners? |
| Sounds like a good plan! |
| I think it sounds like a great plan too! |
That's the route I would go. I had a customer that regularly went through my check lane and gave me all the info on her organization. I looked all over for it for you, thinking she could give you some advice, but was unable to find it.  |
| Thanks guys for the support. Now everyone keep your fingers and paws crossed that we pass something!
We will be playing some heeling games to prepare since he will not stop pulling on the leash unless I have him on the pinch collar. But once we are off of it he knows and all control goes out the window. |
| I think your plan sounds fine Judi. I don't know about the Support Dogs test, but the TDI test needs to be on a buckle collar. Keep working with Harry, he will get it.
Is there only 1 person near you to test for TDI? I would think there would be a few to pick from in the area. Good luck!!! |
| Thanks Dawn.
Both groups require a buckle collar. Thus the extra heeling work this week and next. This IS the only TDI evaluator in my area as the only other one over an hour away died. Maybe because there are two large local organizations TDI may not be as popular in St. Louis. Thanks for the good luck wishes. We need all the help we can get. As you will see when you meet him. |
| I have no advice on what decision you want to make,but will tell you about my involvement with a therapy dog. I would not do visits to anywhere unless I had a group behind me. Guinness is insured for one million dollars when he goes into an approved facility. He had to be temperment tested by my organization. We are with Pets On Wheels He also has his CGC but it is not necessary. When he was tested, metal chairs were dropped a foot from him, we had to weave in and out of equipment we had to meet strangers and other dogs. He had his ears pulled (this is in case a child or person with dementia would accidently pull on him) I did not go with TDI because you cannot belong to any other group (this is for insurence reasons ) Pets on Wheels is involved in a reading program in the school system .This is after school and there are two children reading to one dog. I have not signed up with this program just too busy... maybe next year!! I also visit a local hospital and had to go through different guidelines. I had to have a skin test for TB I have to wear the hospital Vol shirt and Guinness and I both have picture ID's and he has his own business cards with his picture on them. We are to hand them out to the patients we visit. This program has educated the nurses and staff as to what a therapy dog does and they are very excited to see us on the floor Of coused we are not allowed in labor and delivery or restricted areas. I have taught Guinness to retrieve a ball and drop it into a residents lap to help in the Physical Therapy dept. BUT we have not been there yet and when he turned 20 months he refuses to drop the ball, so I guess we have to work on that. I really enjoy going and Gunness seems to be on his best behavior in any facility we go to. I get a lot of compliments but they don't see him at home being a goof. I always remember to tell them he is a rescue and promote adopting a dog that has been tossed aside. He is a good example as to what a shelter dog can be. A large percentage of our dogs are rescues but we have some lovely show dogs in our program too. I think your plan is a good one!!!! I hope you keep us posted as to how it goes. I don't think it matters what group you go with as long as you get to do what you want and that is to bring Joy and dogs into peoples lifes. I believe I get more out of my visits than the people I visit!!! Good Luck.... |
| Do you get charged to belong to a group?
Who maintains the insurance? Joan and I have an umbrella liability policy, wouldn't that be sufficient? |
| Ron there is a registration fee of $35 for TDI.
The classes for SDI will cost me $120 but I have paid for training classes before between agility and a couple levels of obedience and always get my money's worth in spite of Harry. 
My home owners insurance covers me up to $350,000. |
| The cost for testing was 20.00 I also have coverage through my home owners. POW maintains the coverage. I use my personel dogs when I do home visits (especially for GSD because of all the hair, I like to see how they interact with a dog!!) I suppose your home owners policy would be fine I spoke to my agent reguarding taking my dogs places (I always have a dog or two!!) I enjoy belonging to a group. POW is doing a March for the Animals for the Maryland SPCA just because we are a nice group and have raised over $5,000 to date.Just our little group in Harford/Baltimore county. We also do parades and go out to dinner (minus dogs!!) it is a nice social thing. I know some assisted living centers will just check immunization records and let people bring their pets in. If we do a big event such as the pet expo the org. that puts it on makes all groups involved have that particular vendor listed on their individyual insurence policy. Some rescue groups could not attend because of this. NOW I am not an expert on this stuff this is just what I have learned along the way. If you have the time please look into a group ,any pet therapy group, it brings such Joy to the residents and patients. I could not imagine how my life would be without pets!! I visited a resident of the extended care facility I go to (she was in a rehab facility,broken hip and I cleared it with POW before I went) the activity director chased me down the hall with her card (Now everyone knows how much attention our Sheepies get!!) and asked me if I wanted to come on a regular basis!!! I had to turn her down but we were mobbed by visitors, staff and patients. Apparently they only have small dogs visit |
| I too get the same reaction over a sheepie at the nursing home we have visited. The staff are very drawn to him. And of course I usually hear at least 3 times from the seniors "Harry, that is an appropriate name!"
I really hate the Alzheimers floor because it is so sad when some of those people are yelling out for help. But this last visit three of those patients just stroked and stroked Harry and I could tell they really enjoyed it. One resident said to me "I got a valentine from Harry!" and a couple of them still had them in their rooms. So they are beginning to remember him. |
Everyone knows Guinness by name , they call me the dog lady!! I find it cute. How nice you took valentines. The alzheimers unit I visit is locked. Yesterday when I entered the code to get in one of the employees called out (to Guinness not me) and we talked a bit well I set the alarm off!!!!I yelled down the hall its me sorry!!!  They just laughed. I have not had the experience of these patients yelling, that would be sad. Some of these residents just stroke him. One resident used to be a farmer (i really am getting to know theit personel lives) and he had cows and crops . He repeats himself but always knows Guinness. He will say Guinness is a grand dog. I try and make him pet him with an open hand because he keeps his fists closed a lot. I also encourage the residents to walk with him. This gets them moving, Guinness seems proud that he is doing something. I am proud that he moves over in the elevator and around the wheel chairs with ease. I found he learns more skills the more he visits. He is only 20 months. I hear at two he may make me nuts!!! Hopefully not. I have a question one of the therapy groups I checked into required a bath before each visit (maybe delta??) I could not do that. Not with his full coat I now have him in a puppy cut and yes everyone noticed and I just love it. Will your group require this?? We are also going to Port Discovery in Baltimore's Harbor Place for a celebration of Clofford the big Red Dog Dogs are to wear red. Apparently our group is always welcomed there and when one of us shows up we are added to the event schedule and you get to walk around. I am going May 6th. |
| Actually if we make it into Support Dogs Inc. (the St. Louis based group) and attain a ranking that would allow us to visit the children's hospital then he will need to have a bath the day before. I figure we will cross that bridge when we come to it. If he could get that far I would be so proud I would probably go the extra mile to ensure he could work and it never hurts to have a clean dog. LOL
Harry is the same age as Guinness. His 2nd birhtday is July 20th. When is Guinness' birthday? |
| Guinness will be 2 on June 27th, when he was surrendered the owner gave me his paperwork. I tracked down the breeder .she could care less where one of her pups ended up! BYB but we love him. He and Harry are only about a month apart in age!! Guinness always gets his feet and face washed (stinky beard!!) but when he was in a full coat it would have killed me to bath , blow dry and brush once a week!! He is shorter now about 2 in. so he has had a bath two weeks in a row. How does the ranking work? Are there levels and what does a dog have to do to achieve the rank? I did read up on different groups when I started but can't remember who requires what!!! I just wonder where my boy would place . I am very happy with the group I have ended up with . We do have fun and everyone is so nice. I wish you luck in your placement. Keep us posted!!
Cindy |
| An umbrella liability policy would probably cost you about $200 a year for a total of $1,000,000 in coverage. Your homeowner's liability section might have to be raised to $500,000. |
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