I met Bridget and Lisa, her person, because both of them were very nervous. Lisa’s previous dog was a therapy dog and she wanted Bridget to be a successful therapy dog too.
On the client form Lisa stated, “Can you help her (Bridget) relax or teach me how to help her relax, especially in new varied locations? She enjoys people and being petted but I think therapy is not going to be as fun for her as it should be unless she can learn to relax more.” When I met Bridget, she was panting, licking her lips (a calming signal), and her tail was in continual motion. I showed Lisa several TTouches® and gave her some new techniques. Bridget’s respiration slowed down and her eyes became very soft as she relaxed. Also I taught Lisa a very simple technique for herself – to breathe! I reminded Lisa to exhale which would calm her and Bridget.
The next day I talked with Bridget using animal communication to see if she wanted to be a therapy dog and where she wanted to “work.” Bridget remembered me and the TTouch. She said “I really like it. It was so calming. I want Lisa to do it a lot.” Then she said, “I like quieter people. Maybe older people too. They move slower and won’t startle me. I think that is what I’d like.”
About a month later, Lisa emailed that they passed the Therapy Partners Test by Delta Society. A few days ago, I received this email:
Bridget’s First Delta Therapy Dog Visit
“To my friends, coaches and well-wishers == I am pleased to tell you that I and my handler Lisa made our first visit to a nursing home now that we are registered Delta Society Pet Partners. I had a wonderful time and the folks there loved me as much as I loved them. Thanks so much for all your support!” Love, Bridget
