PURPOSE FOR GOLDENDOODLES #BLOGGING FROM A-Z

When you think about a purpose for Goldendoodles, I’m sure you think about low to non shedding household pets for allergy sufferers…

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And you would be correct!

But their exceptional intelligence, trainability, intuitiveness, and friendly non-aggressive gentle loving nature has catapulted them into the world of Service, Therapy and Assistance dogs…

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SERVICE DOG? –

A service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

  • Guide Dogs
  • Seizure Alert Dogs
  • Diabetic Alert Dogs
  • Autism Dogs
  • Companion Dogs
  • Search & Rescue

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A THERAPY DOG? –

A therapy dog might be trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with autism. Therapy dogs are usually not assistance or service dogs, but can be one or both with some organizations.

I learned a great deal watching Harley “work” in the Tail Wagging Tutors program at the local schools…

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Harley and I are now learning first hand that physicians will recommend dogs (and they’re using Goldendoodles!) in hospitals to –

  • calm patients
  • lower blood pressure
  • lower triglycerides
  • better mental health
  • reduce feelings of loneliness
  • and even be there to assist with palliative care

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ASSISTANCE OR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG? –

An Emotional Support Animal is a dog or other common domestic animal that provides theraputic support to a disabled or elderly owner through companionship, non-judgmental positive regard, affection, and a focus in life. If a doctor determines that a patient with a disabling mental illness would benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal, the doctor writes letters supporting a request by the patient to keep the ESA in “no pets” housing or to travel with the ESA in the cabin of an aircraft.

 

Therapy dogs can provide many benefits to individuals with special needs.

Today is Harley’s first day at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospitals Pet Therapy program, and I am honored to accompany him as his “handler.#Igotatitle

We’re off to share some Doodle Love! 🐾 🐾

 

*I am not a breeder nor a veterinarian. I am a Doodle Mom searching and sharing a better understanding about everything Goldendoodle.

References:

https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapy_dog

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/ESA

Farmers Doodles

Goldendoodles Association of North America

This year over 500 bloggers from across the world will participate in the A-Z blogging challenge.

We will attempt to blog everyday during the month of April (minus Sundays) completing the entire alphabet in one month.

Our Theme? – “Everything Goldendoodle” ❤️

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14 Comments
  • Monika & Sam
    April 19, 2016

    You guys are gonna absolutely love therapy dog work and I know you’ll be pawsome at it. Have a great time! 😉

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 20, 2016

      We really do like it Monika. The Assisted Living Facilties and the Tutoring Program was the perfect way to introduce us to the world of pet therapy. Now we’re ready for the hospitals and Harley did an outstanding job yesterday. I’ll post about it after this blogging challenge.

  • Emma
    April 19, 2016

    That is such a wonderful thing to be a service dog or therapy dog. Both the dogs and the trainers put so much work into it. It’s not something that would interest my mom, but we have friends that help raise service dogs and they put so much time and effort into getting the dogs ready for their upcoming jobs.

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 20, 2016

      It is a wonderful thing Emma – I learned with my Mom how much Harley enjoyed making people feel special – she and those she lived with at the Assisted Living Facility were our inspiration. Working at the Children’s Hospital has just kicked it up a notch. We had a great day!

  • Lindsay
    April 19, 2016

    How neat! Do share with us your day (or with me). I’d love to hear about it. Gosh I love your fluffs. They’re gorgeous and they just look so happy.

    Have a wonderful evening Cathy.

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 20, 2016

      Oh Lindsay the day was simply incredible. I cannot wait until next week. Harley was A-mazing 🙂 He saw about 10 children, and made everyone smile. I’ll be writing about it – as soon as I get finished with the A-Z challenge. Such a wonderful way to share some doodle love.

  • LeeAnna Paylor
    April 20, 2016

    doing good work Cathy
    LEeanna

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 20, 2016

      Thanks LeeAnna – how are things going ?

  • Pedro and Alessandra
    April 21, 2016

    Looking forward to hearing how your day went and how much happiness you and sweet Harley brought to the Children. So cool of Harley to bring you along, Cathy (LOL!) as his “Handler” no less… Good job both of you! Loving paws!

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 21, 2016

      I can’t wait to share our experience with all of you. Hugs to Pedro 🙂

  • Jan K
    April 21, 2016

    Service and therapy dogs are the best! I think what you and Harley do is so wonderful, and I bet the people you help do as well (even more).

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 21, 2016

      Harley is certainly a super star. He caused quite a commotion the other day. It is a very rewarding feeling to walk into a room and see the smiles come alive because he’s in the room.

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    April 25, 2016

    Although I know it’s not the case, I always think that my dogs and my cat are my emotional support animals. My depression has been debilitating at times and I don’t think I could have made it through without them. It’s so wonderful seeing others get the support they need.

    I’m proud of what you and Harley are doing.

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 25, 2016

      I beg to differ, I think they are exactly what you need, and they are supporting you emotionally. Harley sees patients that are depressed. When I think of losing Leo and 6 months later my Mom – I won’t say I “couldn’t have made it” without Harley, but I can say, he made the journey bearable. I’m proud of you for recognizing and addressing your depression head on. You are to be commended for your strength.