Murphy will be volunteering for hospitals, children's library
reading programs, Assisted Living Centers and Alzheimer's Centers, and possibly
for an injured soldier program for those that are coming back from the war.
He is really young to be such a star graduate for this type of
stringent program. He first had to go through a 9 week dog obedience training
program to prep him for the next steps. After that, we had to make sure he would
be ready to be tested for his canine good citizenship evaluation and
certification. Then came the 9 weeks of Therapy Dog Training with a very strict
but loving trainer here in Columbus. Fun loving trouble maker Murphy really
knows his stuff now and was a quick learn. He completely changes into a dog of
service when he steps foot into a facility to go to work which is what we call
it.
He has learned to let his handler "me" or anyone else go into
a door before he does or exiting the doorway, he is not bothered by ventilators
or loud noises, he rides up and down easily in elevators and waits his turn to
get on or off the elevator, he walks quietly on the side of the hallway, he
comes to each person in a bed or wheelchair and sits quietly letting that person
pet his head and body. In some cases, he goes under equipment, side tables, or
around I.V. poles just to let patients pet his head all the while being gentle
and careful.
Murphy has been trained to lay down by my side when we are
visiting in a facility or in a children's reading program and not move until he
is told to. He will also stay in position without moving if I move around the
room always keeping his eyes focused on me and whoever else is in the room. He
has not been trained to shake with his paw only because as a Therapy Dog he
could injure an older patient's skin with the rough pads on is paws, so he will
not shake.
He is an extremely patient and gentle soul and I believe he
was put here for this purpose and for me to have as this type of pet. He truly
is my best "canine" friend. A dog like I have never known. A gift from heaven
and a dog that gives back so much every single day. He really lives to please
the others around him like I have never seen a dog do. Our family is blessed to
have Murphy and now many others are too.
Thanks Gayle,
Brigitte
