we go back to the university on Dec. 4th. that will be finals week there and i took the whole day off of work to get her there to help soothe the students. We are looking forward to this event. We will let you all know how this goes.
Katyusha's and my Therapy Dog experience
- Thread starter Katyusharocket
- Start date
Today was a successful day. Katyusha seems to be enjoying her new job.
There were lots of new students she met in the sessions today (there were 2 sessions today because its finals week). But 4 students came to the therapy dog area today specifically looking for her based on their good experiences roughly 3 weeks back. The third photo is of one of those students. She definitely has her favorites and those same people faver her also. Today was also nice because the university's kitchen/catering department gave all the therapy dogs treats, and their humans treats too, in the form of a meal made out of appetizers and a good, delicious, thoughtful orange blossom punch with a carrot cake dessert. Katyusha *almost* got the cake corner while I wasn't looking. Everyone in the group is registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and their rules say that dogs workings therapy events can never be closer than 2 feet to each other and that is really the hardest part. But she did her gig, enjoyed the pets and scratches and everyone left the area enriched, whether their connection was with my Katy or an other therapy dog.
There were lots of new students she met in the sessions today (there were 2 sessions today because its finals week). But 4 students came to the therapy dog area today specifically looking for her based on their good experiences roughly 3 weeks back. The third photo is of one of those students. She definitely has her favorites and those same people faver her also. Today was also nice because the university's kitchen/catering department gave all the therapy dogs treats, and their humans treats too, in the form of a meal made out of appetizers and a good, delicious, thoughtful orange blossom punch with a carrot cake dessert. Katyusha *almost* got the cake corner while I wasn't looking. Everyone in the group is registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and their rules say that dogs workings therapy events can never be closer than 2 feet to each other and that is really the hardest part. But she did her gig, enjoyed the pets and scratches and everyone left the area enriched, whether their connection was with my Katy or an other therapy dog.
Kaiser2016
Well-Known Member
I have to say she was pretty "blissed out". She showed just a little edge in the evening session, I think because there were a lot more people moving through and milling about than the daytime one. Which I am guessing would be a lot for our situationally aware dobermans to try to keep track of. But she really still enjoyed the students and the pets.
jazzies mum
Hot Topics Subscriber
Wow, she is doing so well! That 3rd pic where she is doing the wrap around thing. 
now that you mention it, I also see it. I think I helped about 5 or more people understand yesterday that Dobermans are also called the "lean machine". And she lived up to that nickname!That 3rd pic where she is doing the wrap around thing.
We went to the university again this past Thursday. A student who had made a point to see her on every visit since our first came up to us, not surprising, but he was with 2 students I hadn't recalled meeting before, and with his fabulous Dutch accent he told them, while pointing to her, "this is the best therapy dog in the room, guys!". My heart melted at that point. No photos to post this time, as we just wanted to be in the moments, but it was a nice night. The original first student commented on how, as he saw it, she had become much more relaxed in the room. I had to agree, compared to our first visit. This Saturday, a nursing home visit, her first one since the nursing homes on our 3 tests to become a therapy dog. We are looking forward to it. Current members who go say we will really enjoy that one.
LifeofRubie
Moderator
Seems like she's settling in! Hope you are, too 
Have to say wow because I just think it’s so impressive the work, control and poise it takes to be a therapy dog. For her to not only go into a strange place but to also allow strange folks to be around and touch her…just impressive.
Just.. thank you. It's really easy to default to thinking of bite sports when a Doberman walks into your life. Glad we re-thought that, as she has been otherwise blessed.
They really are all different and have different talents and desires all within the same breed! It's why I always interested in pedigrees and why titles are important to look at when we want a dog for a certain job. Even if you aren't breeding Katyusha, her breeder could note that Therapy Temperament runs in that family or that particular cross. It's helpful to other puppy buyers to see that as well.
This last week Katyusha and I made our way into the other two buildings of the nursing home across town. We had been going the first Friday of the month at 1 pm to the skilled nursing care building. Last week we went to the assisted and independent living buildings. She was well received. The two newer buildings are a little more accessible to us because we can go there and start at 6:30 in the evening. In skilled care, most residents are getting ready for bed at that hour, so I ditch work to make it happen in the afternoon.. I notice 2 groups of people who come to meet her. One group comes because it is something to do other than sit in their rooms or apartments. Honestly that probably is the reason all of them come out to see her. Then, there are one or three that really miss their dogs form pre-nursing home life, and they stick around after all the others have gone, in order to spend some more personal time with her. And I won't say it's because it's her, necessarily, but just that it's an available dog to them who knows how to make herself accessible to just about anyone. I think the plan is to go back on the first and third week of each month, we just need to iron out which day. I think we will both feel useful in the settings.
I might be doing this with her slightly hoping for some karma to come full circle and have a big dog come visit me if I am ever living there. Then again it's always worth it for the real life moment. These are minutes not spent better elsewhere.
jazzies mum
Hot Topics Subscriber
Once again your journey with Katyusha impresses me. I agree that it would be a highlight if someone brought their big dog in to see me when I could no longer have my own. Good vibes all round, including Katyusha!
You should! You guys are doing a world of good for those people! I can just imagine the joy they feel! I love animals in these kinds of settings. People are invalid or hurting or just sad and this brings a ray of hope and love to their life. I would never want you to leave if I was in there! My dad was in the hospital one time and they brought in a dog. Holy cow did that light up the room! My dad was thrilled! Keep up the good work!
I work with patients all day and when I bring them to the gym for therapy they have a clear view into my office. There, hanging on my wall are multiple DChat calendar picts of Ragnar and Freyja. It never fails, old patients out and new patients in…they always ask about the badass Doberman picts in my office.
It brings up great conversation but I can only imagine the excitability of them to actually see and touch a Doberman. I think we tend to forget how noble and formidable the presence of a Doberman can be.
Great effects you are having with those residents!!
It brings up great conversation but I can only imagine the excitability of them to actually see and touch a Doberman. I think we tend to forget how noble and formidable the presence of a Doberman can be.
Great effects you are having with those residents!!
