The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs     |     home
Senior Therapy Dogs
Do you have a laid-back senior dog you think would be a good candidate for a therapy dog? Do you have the time and the desire to share your dog with others in need of the comfort and cheer that only a therapy dog can offer? If so, we are interested in hearing from you.


TESTING AND TRAINING

Look for a future informational meeting in September. Topics will include Delta Society testing, attributes of a senior therapy dog, tips on training your senior dog, and information on our therapy dog club Companions. Please call 216-485-9233 to reserve your place. Testing is being planned for early fall.

The Sanctuary tested 10 dogs in September 2008, 4 in March 2009, and 4 in July 2009. Many of these senior dogs are now busy serving the community and bringing countless hours of joy to those in need of cheering. Share your senior dog's love with the world.

Limited scholarships are available for basic training classes to prepare qualifying senior dogs for testing thanks to a generous grant from the Grey Muzzles Organization, a nonprofit founded to help organizations help more senior dogs.


COMPANIONS

We are developing Companions, a therapy dog organization for senior therapy dogs (large breeds and mixes must be age 5 and older; medium and smaller breeds and mixes must be age 7 and older) and their handlers. We need you and your therapy dog to make this program a success. If you are interested in learning more about the possibilities the Companions program holds, please contact the Sanctuary.


OUR THERAPY DOG

The Sanctuary welcomes Francesca Solara, a 10+ y/o Chihuahua once abandoned, and her handler and foster care giver Ginger McCuthcheon. Francesca is training to become the Sanctuary's newest therapy dog. In the meantime, she and Ginger visit with the residents of an assisted living center; Francesca also goes to work with Ginger at the Ginger Pet House, an eclectic pet boutique in Independence, OH. Stop by and meet our newest working dog.



IN MEMORY OF OUR PAST THERAPY DOGS

To light a candle for any of these dogs or for any of your friends who have crossed the Bridge,
please visit our candle room.

Cato, 2000-2010
In loving memory of Cato, a gentle giant who came to us after a life of neglect.
His unwavering good nature won him many friends. Even those who were
afraid of dogs were charmed by Cato's easy-going ways.
Registered with the Delta Society, July 2009

Vinnie, 1995-2009
In loving memory of Vinnie whose loving disposition and
strength in the face of adversity were an inspiration to all who met him.
Registered with the Delta Society, September 2008


Annie Brown, 1998-2009
In loving memory of our own Annie Brown whose loving nature and comical antics
were a source of pleasure to all who met her. Her therapy service was cut tragically short.
Registered with the Delta Society, December 2008


In loving memory of Burt, 3rd Sanctuary therapy dog,
a big, furry love of a dog.
Registered with the Delta Society, March 2005
Registration renewed April 2007



Gretchen, 1994-June 2, 2004
In loving memory of Gretchen, 2nd Sanctuary therapy dog,
 known for her sense of humor and joy in living.
Certified with Therapy Dogs International, May 2003



Georgia, 1989-June 25, 2003
In loving memory of Georgia, 1st  Sanctuary therapy dog,
a devoted friend and companion, an inspiration to us all.
She set an example for us all.
Certified with Therapy Dogs International, May 2001

Please donate to The Georgia Memorial Fund to help more senior dogs help people.



Copyright 2010
No part of this web site, including photographs, may be reproduced without written permission