Sophie: graduate of the Sanctuary's first therapy dog class in 2002 at 8 years old
Francesca Solara, Sanctuary Therapy Dog
Burt, Sanctuary Therapy Dog, 2005-2007
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Companions: Seniors for Seniors & Therapy Dogs
The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs is proud to offer Companions, a program designed to bring senior dogs and senior people together. Medical and psychological research documents the health and emotional benefits of companion animals, especially to senior people.
Senior Dogs for Senior People
As an important part of this program, senior dogs are available to qualified adopters 60 years of age and older for $60, rather than our usual adoption fee of $125.
Companions also sponsors the use of senior dogs in the community as therapy dogs, working with people in need of the companionship only an old dog can give. Our work ranges from visiting people in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living communities to helping children in reading programs. The jobs an old dog can do are nearly endless.
Henry & Mary Lou
The Sanctuary's first adoption & the first Companions adoption, 2001
Sanctuary Therapy Dogs
Special thanks to The Grey Muzzle Organization for their generous support of our expanding therapy dog program.
Our Trio of Therapy Dogs (left to right): J.J., Delilah, FayFay, each expressing her personality in her own unique way.
And now our trio is a quartet!
OUR NEWEST THERAPY DOG: Jayne
Jayne, an 11-year-old Elder Bull, sailed through her training and testing at Fortunate Fido in record time. She is registered through Therapy Dogs, Inc. and will now visit nursing homes and other places, sharing her love of life and people with the world and showing everyone what an old Pit Bull can do! Congratulations, Jayne.
OUR THERAPY DOGS: Delilah and FayFay
Delilah (left), an 11-year-old deaf Collie mix, and FayFay (right), an 11-year-old Black Lab mix, have both successfully completed their first training class at Fortunate Fido. They learned quickly and enjoyed the training (especially the treats and praise that went along with it). The next step with be their Canine Good Citizen test; then on to therapy dog testing with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs through Gold Star Dog Training evaluators. We are proud of our girls and have every reason to believe that they will both be working therapy dogs before the end of the year. Stay tuned for reports of their progress.
Update: Both Delilah and FayFay passed their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and their therapy dog test through Bright and Beautiful Therapy dogs, Inc. in November 2013. We are so proud of our newest Sanctuary therapy dogs.
Special thanks to The Grey Muzzle Organization for their generous grant to support our therapy program. We are looking to bring in a fourth therapy dog in 2014 to help us reach all parts of NE Ohio with the love and joy that an old therapy dog brings. Stay tuned for more details.
OUR THERAPY DOG: J.J.Congratulations to J.J., an 11-year-old Husky mix, found wandering by a good Samaritan and taken to an area shelter where staff quickly discovered that J.J. is entirely blind. She passed her therapy dog test with her handler Jolene and now serves as the Sanctuary's therapy dog. Special thanks to the great folks at Gold Star Dog Training in Medina, Ohio, specializing in handicapped pets, who worked with J.J. through her training.
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.
Francesca Solara, 1998-2012
In loving memory of Francesca, who overcame illness
and abandonment to bring joy to countless people.
Registered with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, March 2011
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 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, companion, and inspiration to us all.
Certified with Therapy Dogs International, May 2001
Please donate to The Georgia Memorial Fund to help more senior dogs help people.
Copyright 2011-2014
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