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To Many, Therapy Dogs Are Four-Legged HeroesBy Kimberly R. White At the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Fla., earlier this year, a couple of stars were spotted, but not through any telescope. These stars were of the four-legged variety. Therapy dogs Polly and Brady were part of the 17th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act held at the Florida museum in July. The 2-year-old rough-coat collies, born of the same litter, were trained from birth as seeing-eye (or guide) dogs before beginning therapy-dog training when they were 9 weeks old. Seeing-eye dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. There are many different kinds of service animals that assist persons with many other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Pete and Shelley Richter, owners of Polly and Brady, are puppy raisers for Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc., an organization recognized by the U.S. Council of Guide Dog Schools. As therapy dogs, Polly and Brady visit nursing homes, children’s hospitals and hospices. Because of the dogs, Shelley Richter said she has witnessed things that people thought were impossible. For instance, one patient with Alzheimer’s disease who hadn’t spoken a full sentence in years asked if she could take Polly outside for a walk. A nurse there said she had never previously heard the woman utter a sentence. Shelley Richter said hospital or nursing home staffs love it when Polly and Brad visit because their love is unconditional. The patients get excited, smile, laugh and talk about the dogs they used to have at some point in their lives. Raising a therapy dog, however, is not easy. Their nails must be trimmed so they are not sharp. Their coats are kept clean and well-maintained. They must be on monthly heartworm and flea-prevention programs and have all their inoculations up-to-date. Polly and Brad know that when their coats (identifying them as therapy dogs) go on, they are working and are to act accordingly. The two canines travel everywhere. ** Kimberly R. White is an advocate and an occasional contributor. She lives in Florida. |
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