Giving Back To The Community Through Pet Therapy

By: Laura Riddle

Every dog has a job they were born to do. The day I brought my dog Murphy home from Hart-to-Heart animal rescue, I knew he had potential to be a therapy dog. He was quiet, independent, and well-behaved around strangers, including my young nephew.

Pet therapy is meant to provide emotional assistance and socialization for those who may not have the financial resources or ability to keep their own pet. I began by researching different certification programs and the requirements needed to become a registered handler with Murphy. Town and County Hospital in Apex was the closest facility to my home and offered training and evaluation through Love on a Leash (LOAL), a 501(c)(3) based out of San Diego, California. 

Although there are several therapy organizations in the US, each has their own set of standards for pet behavior. Generally, dogs should be able to follow basic obedience commands including, sit, stay, lie down, and how to walk on a non-retractable leash. For LOAL therapy certification, dogs also need to be non-aggressive, and owners must be able to maintain control of the dog in unfamiliar situations, including times when there are loud noises or distracting movements. The dog shouldn’t mind being touched, and friendly when greeting strangers. My certification with Murphy took almost a year and included ten supervised visits before we could go out on our own.

Emilie Beglane started the NC Triangle Love on a Leash chapter in 2012, serving Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. “We started with LOAL because it best fit our needs as members of the Pets at Duke.” The NC Triangle Chapter volunteers in various parts of Duke Hospital, the Durham VA Medical Center and recently started stress-relief work with students.  “As the chapter has grown, we now have members volunteering in a wide variety of areas throughout our service area.”

People are often confused about the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) describes service dogs as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Although therapy dogs are usually the personal pet of a registered handler and trained to take commands from one individual, they’re permitted to socialize with people, and just be a dog when they’re on the job.

There is something unique about the bond we share with our pets, especially dogs. During my first visit to an assisted living facility in Raleigh, we met an elderly lady who wept when she started to pet Murphy. Afterward, she shared a story about the birthday party for her son when he was given his beloved copper-colored dachshund and creatively named her “Penny.” I realized then the significance of just taking the time to visit with people.

If you’re interested in this type of work, I first recommend starting a conversation with your veterinarian to determine if your dog is in good health. Most medical or educational facilities have established pet therapy teams, but may be open to additional volunteers that can provide this type of free assistance. Check out LOAL chapters at www.loveonaleash.org or talk with a local animal rescue organization or dog trainer to learn about similar groups in your area.