Trainers from Therapy Dogs Inc., a nonprofit organization with more than 4,000 members across North America, will be returning to Ketchum to recruit the third class of pet therapy dogs and their handlers to visit patients at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center. The program incorporates progressive training methods for the new recruits during the month of June. For those handlers interested in being part of this program, their dogs must be at least one year old, be up to date on their vaccinations, and have annual examinations.
"Tobie just loves pet therapy days," said Jean Dickenson, pet therapy volunteer. "She gets very excited when we go to the hospital to brighten the patients' day. And the staff enjoy the dog visits as much as the patients!"
Because St. Luke's is very strict in its requirements and training for the program, the dogs must be neat, clean, friendly and ready to socialize.
"We want to ensure that pet therapy is a positive experience for the patient, the dog and the handler," said Nancy Mulroney, manager of St. Luke's Volunteer Services. "In addition to the pet therapy training sessions, the handlers will be required to attend a half-day hospital orientation designed specifically for St. Luke's volunteers."
Prior to the "Challenge Test" on June 4, the handlers are required to attend a pet therapy "observation" at the hospital without their dog.
Training dates include June 4 and 5, June 11 and 12, June 18 and 19, and June 25 and 26. Additionally, handlers and their dogs will be required to attend an observed visit in Boise at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center during the month of July. At the end of training, Therapy Dogs will nationally certify dogs and their handlers.
If you are interested in participating in this program, or for more information, please call Mulroney at 727-8407.
Carrie Bauwens and her dog Tom of Ketchum visit with hospital volunteers last year at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center. Photo by Willy Cook
