Jackie Pratt shared a hug with her border collie, Phoenix, after the year-old dog received his certification as a therapy dog. She's a day-care tech at Pup'N Iron.

Therapy dogs certified in Stafford.

Date published: 4/3/2007

BY MARY VAN DUYNE

For The Free Lance-Star

Spiritkeepers founder Sue Peetoom certified 13 therapy dog teams recently in Stafford.

The Certified Therapy Dogs International evaluator conducted the certifications with the assistance of Spiritkeepers Team Leader Linda Damiano at Pup'N Iron Canine Fitness and Learning Center in North Stafford.

Seventeen dogs and 16 handlers were evaluated. In addition to those participating for initial evaluation, one person was there to be evaluated as a co-handler and one person wanted to be certified to handle two therapy dogs.

The dogs were of varying sizes and included both pure and mixed breeds as well as several rescue and shelter dogs.

Therapy Dogs International is a volunteer organization founded in 1976. Their dogs visit patients in nursing homes, hospitals and other places. Part of their mission includes listening while children read aloud.

Some of the therapy teams provided comfort to workers and victims' families following the Sept. 11 attacks. Local certified dogs attended the needs of those at the Pentagon Family Assistance Center.

According to their Web site, as of 2006 more than 15,000 dogs and about 13,000 handlers have been certified for this work.

In order to become certified, a handler must be a person of good character and, if under 18, must have a parent or legal guardian sign the registration and accompany them on visits with the dog. The dog must be healthy, current on all vaccinations, at least a year old and have a sound temperament.

Dogs must be able to pass all phases of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test as well as learning how to behave around medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.

Therapy dogs must also be able to demonstrate control of the "leave it" command when a food treat is placed in front of them. This is necessary to ensure that they will not pick up any foreign objects that may harm them while visiting a medical facility.

While the dogs are being evaluated for their ability to obey commands, the handlers are being evaluated on their ability to control the dog.

For details, visit tdi dog.org. The next TDI evaluation at Pup'N Iron will be conducted during the summer.

Read more stories about Stafford
Date published: 4/3/2007

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