LIFE AS A THERAPY DOG

Dearest Harley, I need a HUMUNGOUS favor. While I’m away at Blog Paws – could you write Friday’s post for me? Tell everyone about your life as a therapy dog. Remember, don’t get too wordy, no one wants to hear you ramble. Thanks buddy – see you Sunday, Love Doodle Mom

That was the note she left me on Thursday. Not sure what she meant by “ramble” – I pawsonally think I’m quite entertaining…

Life as a Therapy Dog

Pet therapy has been a part of my life for almost half my life. I love humans #ofallbreeds and they love me.

It all started with my Grandma named “Angel.”

She and her friends looked forward to my weekly visits at her Assisted Living Facility.

After my certification (had to get legal)  I hooked up with a reading program called Tail Wagging Tutors. I’d visit schools so lil’ humans could develop confidence by reading to me…

Life as a Therapy Dog

After we moved to Charleston, I needed another gig. The local Ronald MacDonald house already had a pup living with them, so we went to the Children’s hospital and struck #doodlegold

The Medical University of South Carolina has a Children’s Hospital with a brand new pet therapy program that we think is nothing short of being #doodletastic

Life as a Therapy Dog

Even though I’m the one doing all the work, Doodle Mom had to go through extensive training –

  • interview
  • testing
  • vaccinations
  • orientation

All I had to do was be nice to the boss man…

Life as a Therapy Dog

All this took several weeks, and once we were approved – it was time for me to go to work.

I now have my uniform (work collar and leash) AND my own hospital volunteer badge…

Life as a Therapy Dog

SO WHAT EXACTLY DO I DO? –

I’ll let boss man tell you.

Take it away Al…

In addition to all that he said, I also like to spend time with the hospital staff.

They need love too!

So often they’re dealing with situations that don’t always turn out the way they’d like them to. Sometimes they just need to rub my head, feel my fur, or bend down for some #doodlekisses

Life as a Therapy Dog

I work on Tuesday’s and every week I’m meeting new characters…

Life as a Therapy Dog

No two days are ever the same, and we love it when the nurses tell us someone has been waiting to see me!

The dogs that work at MUSC are called Hairy Heroes. There are over 40 of us now, and that number is constantly growing. Al Hoffman the boss man director, has his own dog Lucky working with him everyday…

Life as a Therapy Dog

…but he also enjoys hanging out with me too…

Life as a Therapy Dog

MUSC Children’s Hospital is a very special place, healing and helping children everyday.

MUSC Children’s Hospital scored high new rankings in a national publication, and doctors say the real benefit will be to the children treated there.

And I am “tickled to doodle” to be part of their volunteer team!

How was that? Did I “ramble?

Be kind to someone – on purpose❤️

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17 Comments
  • nichole
    June 24, 2016

    That sure looks like the BEST job ever! Penny would love it! Love your official badge!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 24, 2016

      It is really a great job. I’m not sure who likes it more – Harley or I LOL

  • Monika & Sam
    June 24, 2016

    Being the half of a pet therapy team that only does the driving, my hat’s off to you Harley. We know first hand the service you provide to patients, staff and visitors alike. Sam gives you a bark-out as well. Well done, ‘dood,’ well done! Have a great weekend and give your mama a big sloppy kiss when she gets back from BlogPaws.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 24, 2016

      Hey Monika – I am reciprocal in admiration to you and Sam! You know first hand how rewarding it is for us to drive them around. Having a blast at BP – but man am I exhausted. #gettingold

  • Lee J. Bennett Jr.
    June 24, 2016

    Well done Harley!

    Dad!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 24, 2016

      Thanks Pops!

  • Emma
    June 25, 2016

    That’s awesome you have a job you love. My mom couldn’t do that kind of thing as it would make her too sad, so we just cheer up those we run into randomly. You are a special dog helping those people who need you!

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    June 25, 2016

    Shadow and I tip our caps to you Harley – and to your mom! I’m sure you bring much cheer and joy to those children during your visits. And all those smiles are your best reward, I bet. GREAT job!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 29, 2016

      We’re really enjoying this part of the journey. It warms my heart to share Harley like this. He seems to know how important it is, and he does it so well.

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    June 25, 2016

    PS. And, Harley? You didn’t “ramble” at all. You did a “#doodletastic” job for your doodle mom!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 29, 2016

      Don’t tell him that – his head will swell for sure LOL

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    June 26, 2016

    Great post! You do such amazing work!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 29, 2016

      Tanks JoAnn – We’re the ones that feel blessed with this job. We’re meeting so many wonderful people.

  • Dashlilly
    June 27, 2016

    I so wish one of mine could do something like this. Neither one is very good though! Dash would bark and jump and Lilly… well Lilly would just do something wrong, I am sure. Congratulations on such work! Love the photos!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 29, 2016

      I bet you they would surprise you! Especially Dash!

  • LeeAnna Paylor
    June 29, 2016

    fascinating! Good boy Harley!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 29, 2016

      Thanks LeeAnna. He’s really working hard, I’m so proud of him!