Therapy Dog Program
In addition to training service dogs to assist people with mobility impairments, The Gift of Sunshine also works to establish educational programs in the community that foster the use of therapy dogs in health care settings.
Wyatt a therapy dog at work.
In order to ensure the safety of the recipient, the physical and behavioral skill levels demanded of a successful service dog are extremely high. Dogs in training quite often do not meet the high standards of the service dog program. Fortunately, many of these dogs are willing and able to team up with volunteers and visit patients in hospitals and other health care facilities. The therapeutic effect of the love given by these dogs is remarkable. The therapy dog program benefits everyone involved, including the dog that finds another way to help people in need.
Under the guidance of volunteer Glenn Smith, The Gift of Sunshine also certifies pets and their owners as therapy dog teams. Glenn has been working with therapy dog candidates for over 15 years. The training is done in local nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation hospitals. If you have a dog that you would like to train for the therapy dog program, please fill out the on line registration form Therapy Dog Certification Application.