January 20, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nonprofit therapy
dog teams
I read with interest the article “Therapy dogs can provide physical, mental health benefits to elders” (Jan. 13 Register) as I am the “human half” of three therapy dog teams. 
A therapy dog team is generally one dog and owner. Therapy dog work has been a volunteer ministry of mine for a number of years.  There are numerous therapy dog organizations in Colorado with hundreds of volunteers who generously give hundreds of hours of their time and talent every year.  We are passionate about our work.  We gladly pay all the expenses—everything from training, testing, organizational membership fees, shirts and/or pet vests, transportation, etc.  The benefits of therapy dog work have been proven as was mentioned in the article.  We who volunteer reap benefits beyond words—a heartfelt thank you, smiles and hugs.
If anyone is interested in contacting a nonprofit therapy dog organization with volunteers in Colorado, here are two:  and .  Both of these groups have people who work with the elderly, children, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, etc.  Another nonprofit group, Paws for Responsibility (), has a wonderful program to aid children with remedial reading problems.  Their screened and trained registered dog and handler teams volunteer at several schools and public libraries. 
Since 2003 it has been my pleasure to work with two wonderful organizations: Therapy Dogs Inc. and TAILS (Therapy Animals in Loving Service), the therapy dog program at Longmont United Hospital.  Last week I was training with my newest therapy dog, Fiona, at a local nursing home.  A highlight for me was when a resident …gave Fiona a little kiss on her head and then asked me, “May I kiss you on both cheeks?”  Is that not a real blessing?  Such are the rewards of volunteer therapy dog work!

Eileen Wittfelt
Longmont