Filling in the gaps
Assessment and training24 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
Dear Sunny,
You are such a good writer. I really enjoyed your description of how you were trained. I grew up with many dogs. They were called hounds. They got along with other hounds, but didn't make friends with fluffy, or long fur dog breeds. That's why I'm amazed at your ability to socialize with all sorts of dogs. I'm also amazed to learn how nicely you and your coworkers walk in line down the hall. I'm glad you wrote this story about how you and your Mama went through extensive training so you could become a therapy dog. When I was in the hospital last month, I rejected the therapy dog who came to my room, but would have been honored if you had come to visit me.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
  |
Dear Sunny,
You are such a good writer. I really enjoyed your description of how you were trained. I grew up with many dogs. They were called hounds. They got along with other hounds, but didn't make friends with fluffy, or long fur dog breeds. That's why I'm amazed at your ability to socialize with all sorts of dogs. I'm also amazed to learn how nicely you and your coworkers walk in line down the hall. I'm glad you wrote this story about how you and your Mama went through extensive training so you could become a therapy dog. When I was in the hospital last month, I rejected the therapy dog who came to my room, but would have been honored if you had come to visit me.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
-
Thank you so much for this delightful, and very encouraging review. Sunny and I are both honoured to receive six stars. And yes, I think you would have loved Sunny!
Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
What a wonderful post, Wendy. This was so interesting to see how you and Sunny got involved with becoming a therapy dog. I never realized how much went into it, even rules about no meat a day prior to the visit! I think I know the reason for that.
That Sunny was able to pass his entrance exam and be able to be trained so quickly is a testament to both him and you. I found it quite amazing what goes into being a therapy dog and how well-behaved these dogs must be. You've got a real special dog there in Sunny.
It was very cute the way you narrated this from his point of view. I adored this story!
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
 |
What a wonderful post, Wendy. This was so interesting to see how you and Sunny got involved with becoming a therapy dog. I never realized how much went into it, even rules about no meat a day prior to the visit! I think I know the reason for that.
That Sunny was able to pass his entrance exam and be able to be trained so quickly is a testament to both him and you. I found it quite amazing what goes into being a therapy dog and how well-behaved these dogs must be. You've got a real special dog there in Sunny.
It was very cute the way you narrated this from his point of view. I adored this story!
Comment Written 18-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
-
Thank you very much for this delightful review, Jim. yes, a lot goes into it, but we both get a lot of pleasure from our involvement. A lovely review, very encouraging.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
I'm so glad that you shared this informative post with us. Sunny has a face that would be impossible not to love, he's such a cutie. If you're pushing him in the tram in the hospital, is anyone allowed to pet him, like people he passes in the hallway? I don't know if I could keep from petting him if I saw him. I'm sure that everyone he visits enjoys the time they get with him. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
|
Hello Wendy,
I'm so glad that you shared this informative post with us. Sunny has a face that would be impossible not to love, he's such a cutie. If you're pushing him in the tram in the hospital, is anyone allowed to pet him, like people he passes in the hallway? I don't know if I could keep from petting him if I saw him. I'm sure that everyone he visits enjoys the time they get with him. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 17-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024
-
Yes, anyone may pet him, including passers-by, and he can get out if they want to cuddle him. So he gives love and comfort to staff, patients, carers, anyone passing. If it's very busy we try to give the dogs a break in an enclosed courtyard, where they can have a little walk or run, and play together. Yesterday six dogs and three of us went back to the jail for another staff mental health morning. They were very appreciative, because yesterday there were a lot of inmate issues apparently. Thank you for your lovely interest and a super review.
Wendy
Comment from jessizero
This post was most informative, and I love that it was told from Sunny's point of view. The more I read about him, the more I wish I knew a dog like him. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
|
This post was most informative, and I love that it was told from Sunny's point of view. The more I read about him, the more I wish I knew a dog like him. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
-
Thank you Jessi - that's such a lovely review! Best wishes to you for all your writing too.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
I very much enjoyed listening to your chapter about Sunny and his becoming a therapy dog. I wish you the very best with all of your writing. Also enjoyed the way you have written this from the point of view of sunny. May you have a wonderful day and may God bless you. Patricia.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
|
I very much enjoyed listening to your chapter about Sunny and his becoming a therapy dog. I wish you the very best with all of your writing. Also enjoyed the way you have written this from the point of view of sunny. May you have a wonderful day and may God bless you. Patricia.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
-
Thank you very much Patricia. I enjoyed your lovely review, and always appreciate your time.
Wendy
Comment from juliaSjames
Wow! What a tale! I had no idea about all the meticulous training and preparations a therapy dog is required to undergo. Sunny is so very special. Finny is impressed but he says he's too skittish to be a therapy dog. Except for toddlers. He loves toddlers.
This is a wonderfully written essay, Wendy. You are great at channeling Sunny.
Blessings, Julia
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
|
Wow! What a tale! I had no idea about all the meticulous training and preparations a therapy dog is required to undergo. Sunny is so very special. Finny is impressed but he says he's too skittish to be a therapy dog. Except for toddlers. He loves toddlers.
This is a wonderfully written essay, Wendy. You are great at channeling Sunny.
Blessings, Julia
Comment Written 17-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
-
Thank you so much Julia! Yes, there's a lot for dogs to manage. This morning we went to a jail for mental health support for staff members, (and today was a particularly difficult day apparently with various inmate issues). They loved having the dogs to bring calm and comfort and a sense of peace for a time in their busy world. Sunny would have had about fifty different people patting him or holding and cuddling him, which can stress many dogs. Plus all the radio communications noise and sometimes inmates shouting. Then this afternoon I had my granddaughters, loud and giggly, cousins aged eight and nine to visit, and play with him. He'll sleep well tonight! Me too. Lol. Thanks for your super review.
Wendy
Comment from karenina
This is the best essay I've ever read that was penned by a dog! (You must have picked up a lot of writing tips from your human-mama)-
I've seen therapy dogs over my time as a Registered Nurse and the joy and serenity they bring to people of all ages and stages of health or decline is miraculous!
I doesn't surprise me that you took passed the interview with flying colors! (I'd have given you ten points just because you're adorable!)
Hey, Sunny? Do me a favor and give your mama a huge doggy hug from me.
I'm a HUGE fan of her writing and her heart...and I'm your fan as well!
Karenina
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
|
This is the best essay I've ever read that was penned by a dog! (You must have picked up a lot of writing tips from your human-mama)-
I've seen therapy dogs over my time as a Registered Nurse and the joy and serenity they bring to people of all ages and stages of health or decline is miraculous!
I doesn't surprise me that you took passed the interview with flying colors! (I'd have given you ten points just because you're adorable!)
Hey, Sunny? Do me a favor and give your mama a huge doggy hug from me.
I'm a HUGE fan of her writing and her heart...and I'm your fan as well!
Karenina
Comment Written 16-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2024
-
Lol. Thank you Karenina! Sunny and I are both thrilled with your review and the six stars! Very appreciative. Yes, he writes well for a dog, doesn't he?! Today we were back at the jail for the morning (for staff mental health, not inmates) and it was so moving to see the joy they experienced, as today there were lots of "issues" with difficult inmates, and the staff were quite stressed. They just loved their time cuddling the six dogs. Sunny gave me a hug from you. We had to squeeze in a quick cuddle before the afternoon visit from two giggly girls (aged nine and eight, cousins). I think we'll sleep well tonight!
Wendy
-
I have a big crush on Sunny...and he writes fabulously well!
:)
Comment from Paul McFarland
That is quite an article, Sunny. Paul let me read it, and I am impressed. My name is Lou. I am Paul Jr.'s son's dog. His name is Paul. too. He is really Paul, IV. It's a little confusing, and if you don't understand it, I'll explain some day. I was really sad when Sam died. I am young and full of energy, and Sam used to get annoyed when I would want to play with him. I would probably not be a good therapy dog with all the energy I have. Maybe I will calm down when I get older. I'm looking forward to hearing from you from time to time. Paul needs the computer, so I will sign off for now.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2024
|
That is quite an article, Sunny. Paul let me read it, and I am impressed. My name is Lou. I am Paul Jr.'s son's dog. His name is Paul. too. He is really Paul, IV. It's a little confusing, and if you don't understand it, I'll explain some day. I was really sad when Sam died. I am young and full of energy, and Sam used to get annoyed when I would want to play with him. I would probably not be a good therapy dog with all the energy I have. Maybe I will calm down when I get older. I'm looking forward to hearing from you from time to time. Paul needs the computer, so I will sign off for now.
Comment Written 15-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2024
-
Hi Lou, It is good to meet you, and I am sure you must be missing Sam greatly. He had such personality and was very good-looking. In time your energy will slow a bit too. Meanwhile, thank you for your delightful review, and I thank you for the six stars. You don't know how much that encourages me as I am just a poor dog trying to write stuff. (Do you think I am better then Mama? No, better not answer that one!) Please thank Paul for letting you use his computer, and I hope he doesn't mind that you gave a six! Best wishes to you.
Sunny
-
Sunny, I am really glad that you said, "better not answer that one". I don't want to get in trouble with Mama.
Comment from zanya
It's a great title and an interesting expose of what is involved for therapy dogs. What breed is this lovely animal? Is that actually Sunny in the photo? Love the paragraph about the elevator and the bells and dings and the paws and the gap. Authentic feel to it.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
|
It's a great title and an interesting expose of what is involved for therapy dogs. What breed is this lovely animal? Is that actually Sunny in the photo? Love the paragraph about the elevator and the bells and dings and the paws and the gap. Authentic feel to it.
Comment Written 15-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
-
Hi Zanya, yes that is Sunny. Everyone I meet asks what breed he is, and it's a bit of a mystery. My supervisor and vet (and many others) think he has Dachshund and Papillon in him, but his DNA indicates three eighths Maltese, one eighth Border Collie, one eighth Chihuahua, and three eighths some kind of Terrier. He has Border Collie colouring, but on little legs and a longer body! When his fur gets long one can see the Maltese more. Thank you so much for your very kind and thoughtful review.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I am so glad Sunny graduated and become an official therapy dog Wendy and obviously being in your household he prospered and grew into a loving and kind gentle dog. I enjoyed your wonderful story from Sunny's point of view, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
|
I am so glad Sunny graduated and become an official therapy dog Wendy and obviously being in your household he prospered and grew into a loving and kind gentle dog. I enjoyed your wonderful story from Sunny's point of view, love Dolly x
Comment Written 15-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
-
Thank you Dolly! What a lovely review, along with six stars. Much appreciated. I think he was always this way even before we got him, so I can't really take credit. Lol.
Wendy