Rescue to therapy

[PennyPA]

In January, we came across a dog that had been hit by a car lying in the middle of the road. Of course, we stopped and with the help of another person who stopped after us, we moved him to the side of the road. The gentleman who helped us said he thought he know who the owner was so he took off to find him. In the meantime, a woman and her brother walked down from a nearby house and said she didn't know the owner but the dog had been living under her porch for a month or so. The previous man came back and said he thought the brother was the owner but apparently not. So we asked everyone there if they minded if we took the dog to the vet and they all said it was fine with them.

Long story short, took it to the vet = heartworms and both front legs broken in 2 places. Currently treating for heartworms, casts came off legs this past Tuesday (he was the star of several campgrounds while they were on!) and now I'd like to start his training as a therapy dog. Is it possible to have a traveling therapy dog? Could we call a local hospital wherever we are and ask if they'd like a visit? Does this sound plausible?

He has never barked or growled even when they were setting his legs. I can take food away from him and he doesn't say a word. Part lab, part I-don't-know-what but most excellent temperament.

[MainerBob]

I would Google Therapy Dogs International. That is the group we belong to. Chloe passed her Canine Good Citizen and her TDI evaluation the same day at a pet expo in Maine. She was almost a year old. We have been visiting for 8 years now. TDI and other such organizations provide liability insurance which is required by hospitals, etc. where you will be visiting. You will also likely have to undergo a CORI check. The place we visit now, an acute rehab hospital even required that I be drug tested. Once you and the dog are certified you could try calling hospitals and nursing homes as you travel. We have never done that. Good luck!

[magnusfide]

God bless you for his rescue. What did you name him?

[PennyPA]

Thank you, Dog Folks, for the helpful link. That's just what I was looking for...where to start with this.

Kickstart and Collie Hauler, he's such a fantastic dog!!!

[Dog_Folks]

Thank you.

People that take in rescue dogs are special.

You can start wit the AKC Canine Good Citizen title. You can train this yourself and when ready have a evaluator give you and the dog a test.

It is widely recognized that your dog has proven training and is well mannered.

Here is a link for more info: AKC Canine Good Citizen

[colliehauler]

kickstart wrote:
Thank you for stopping and taking on the responsibility of helping.glad he's working out for you.

I would like to thank you as well.

[kickstart]

Thank you for stopping and taking on the responsibility of helping.glad he's working out for you.

[Tin-bender]

Anything is possible

Some thoughts,
Have you ever worked therapy dogs before?
Are you part of or affiliated with a therapy dog working and certification group?
Do you have liability insurance in place to cover this or are you a member of a group that insures it's members in case of accident?

Like I said anything is possible but most institutions require the animals and handler to be trained and certified before allowing interaction with patients.

Been there, done that
Tinbender