Update on Jackie's First Therapy Visit

[Fluffypants]

EEK! I have been speaking with the director of a nursing home in my town, so that Jackie and I can start visiting for TDI (Therapy Dogs International). I called today to set up (I thought) a preliminary meeting with her, to discuss logistics, etc. Not only does she want to meet me (us) tomorrow, she wants to gather a bunch of the residents together in the cafeteria so that we can visit them! I was not mentally preparing myself for that, and now I am panicking! I need a pep talk, STAT!

Where's my paper bag? I don't even have a list of "don't forgets" made yet! I can't do something this big without a list! :SHOCKED:

[Lauren]

That's awesome!!! I didn't know Jackie was a TDI dog too!

I'm sure you two will do awesome and the residents will love you guys, and just prepare yourself for a ton of stories from the residents of all the dogs they're had and possible even a few tears. It really is the most rewarding thing that I've ever done (I was so upset when Mollie stopped enjoying it and we stopped, but I'm overwhelmed with excitement to start again with Izzy!).

Just calm down, take a deep breath, and most of all, ENJOY YOURSELVES!!!:SMILE:

[Fluffypants]

Thanks Lauren. She passed her CGC & TDI tests at the end of December. We spent 3 months waiting for the paperwork to come back, and 2 more months trying to schedule the appointment . . . and now it's HERE! :EEK:

[Lauren]

Congrats on passing the tests!

We spent 3 months waiting for the paperwork to come back, and 2 more months trying to schedule the appointment
Ack!! Don't tell me that, lol, I can't even send mine out until next week when I get my vet to sign off on it! :SHOCKED:

Depending on how strict they are you could take like a ball or something for the patients to throw for Jackie, and they always loved Mollie's little tricks (shake, beg, etc.) :CUTE:

[Fluffypants]

Thanks! I was surprised how long it took to get my membership stuff from them, so just be prepared that it might take awhile. I'm sure that you won't have a problem finding somewhere to go, though . . . since you had a place that you visited with your other dog. It will probably just be a matter of calling them and saying "Hi! It's me!" :CUTE:

We'll brush up on our cute tricks tonight!

[Lauren]

LOL, your posts are getting me all antsy to get working again! lol

Oh and I forgot to mention in my PM that I like to have my therapy dogs wear vests whenever we go to a facility not only for the residents and staff to know who we are but because then the dogs know that it's "work time" and they'll usually calm down right away (except for their little butts which go about a mile a minute, lol). I am planning on getting one from here (http://www.ldsleather.com/patches.html#cape) once I get Izzy's measurements.

[Fluffypants]

Those are cute! I like the idea of the vests too. But TDI says they no longer like volunteers to use them because it hinders petting. Not sure if they are prohibited or just frowned upon. Another thing to look into tonight! :EEK:

[mtoy]

How exciting! Relax, the residents will be so happy to see Jackie! I'm very interested in hearing all about this as it happens - be sure to keep us updated.

[Lauren]

But TDI says they no longer like volunteers to use them because it hinders petting. Not sure if they are prohibited or just frowned upon.

Ah fooey :SHOCKED: Guess I'll have to look into that myself, thanks for the heads up!

[Jespah]

Hey that's super Jess - you guys will be awesome together!! What's to be nervous, you are taking your beloved dog to share her with people who really need to be able to be around animals - how great is that!! A guarenteed audience of happy dog folks!! Go Jackie and Jess!!!

[Fluffypants]

As you know Deb, she is not the most laid back of dogs . . . I am afraid that her "enthusiasm" might be a bit much for them. Think I'll ask her walker to take her on an extra-long lunchtime walk tomorrow to burn off some energy! I don't want her to knock anyone or anything over. Luckily, she had a bath this weekend already, so she is all fluffed up & ready to be adored! :CUTE:

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I will post a full report on Friday.

[Jespah]

She wouldn't have passed her tests if they didn't think you could both handle it - animals seem to sense when to mellow out a bit - I bet she'll revell in all of the adoration. Don't forget to be patient with all of the older folks asking you about her being a Sheltie:WINK:

Deb

[Dillydoodle]

Jess don't worry, you gals will be fine. Jackie is enthusiastic but she didn't seem jumpy ( like Dillon, leaping up to lick a face and knock someone over with his excitement). She also seems to listen to you well so if you ask her to be calm, I am sure she will pick up on that. Also she has a lot of training, you two worked really hard and I know that you will both be great...and that the residents will be so happy! She is so soft and fluffy... I mean, really, who could look at jackie walking away with her fluffy butt rolling back and forth without getting a smile on their face? :LAUGH: You will both do great! have fun...

Emilie

[corgimom]

Jessica, it will be fun for the two of you. Try not to stress out. My mom had spent 8 weeks in a nursing home about 4 years ago and it can be such a sad place. So many residents have no family visiting them. These elderly people will not be judging you or Miss Jackie, they will just be so thrilled that you are visiting them. And wait until they get to pet that beautiful fluffy, I am sure you will see some faces light up.:SMILE:

[CorgiMum]

Congratulations & I bet both of you have a blast!!

I did some visits with Montrose when she was younger and Dylan has done visits doing his freestyle routine. Getting him certified is one of my goals for this year.

Playing ball might be too much stimulation, but taking along a favourite toy is an idea. I have found that most people are just hasppy to see and some to touch a dog.

And collars, I have always used a different than evey day collars & or leads for the dogs when they are 'working'.

Have fun!! Looking forward to reading all about your adventures.:SMILE:

[MrsGrace]

You guys will do great!!!

But I do have something to add to your list.....

1. Enjoy my time out with Jackie. :SPINNY:

I have every confidence that you will be well prepared and have a wonderful time!+WUBCLUB+

[Fluffypants]

Thanks guys! I'm very excited to go. I have wanted to train my dog to do therapy work since long before I even had a dog! But my anal-retentive personality causes me to worry about things (just a little! :LAUGH: ). I am no good at being bad at stuff! If I do something, I like to do it well . . . especially something I have been thinking about and working toward for so long!

Barbara - I do have Jackie's special "bling" collar and matching leash (not sue if you remember the pics), which I plan to use only for therapy work (she also has one that especially for rally trials, and her everyday one). I don't know if she can tell the difference, but I like to think she can! She's not much of a ball player, but I do plan to show them some of her cute tricks, and also do a small obedience demo.

And Deb - I plan to state in our introduction that Jackie is a corgi. :CUTE:

You guys rock! Thanks again for being my cheerleaders!!! Full report to come tomorrow!!!

[ZdogZ]

Jess ~ I bet that you and Jackie do well! Just don't let her in the mud before you go in!:SPINNY: I can't wait to hear all about it. I think that is really neat.

[Jespah]

Everyone send good vibes to Jess and Jackie tonight - I'm sure they'll be great - but a little extra help can't hurt!+WUBCLUB+

[CorgiMum]

Lots of good vibes being sent for you tonight Jess & Jackie!
(((())))

[Dillydoodle]

ditto! :BIGGRIN"

Emilie

[ZdogZ]

Go J-Girls!

[Penutsma]

Thanks Lauren. She passed her CGC & TDI tests at the end of December. We spent 3 months waiting for the paperwork to come back, and 2 more months trying to schedule the appointment . . . and now it's HERE! :EEK:
Ok, my ignorance is showing again, but.....
What are the CGC and TDI? :CONFUSED:

[Merlincorgi]

CDC = Canine Good Citizen
TDI = Therapy Dogs International

[Fluffypants]

Hello to all of my supportive corgi pals! I am here to give you an update!! But first I would like to say thanks again for all of your support and words of encouragement. +WUBCLUB+

Things went very well yesterday. Jackie was a little freaked out by all of the noise and activity in the home, but not so freaked out that she wouldn't accept the cheese I offered . . . so it wasn't serious. It felt like we visited with every resident in the whole building! They were having an ice cream social at the time, and they were all gathered into 3 visiting rooms. Jackie and I made the rounds to all of the rooms, each containing around 20 people. She was nervous and a little skittish, but she sat on my lap (or stood on her hind legs) for petting, and was her little charming self. I had at least 3 people (staff and family of residents) ask me if she was fixed because they wanted puppies. She was a big hit! I know that the more we go back, the better she will get. She's always a little nervous in new, noisy situations . . . but with repeated exposure she takes everything in stride.

I never cease to be amazed at her stamina. After the nursing home, we spent about 20 minutes visiting with neighborhood children and their parents (they were all by the mailboxes when we got home, so I seized the opportunity to practice our manners around toddlers and babies), and we went to rally class last night too.

Was she tired? Probably. Did she show it Nope. Not even a little. Me? Exhausted and it showed! :LAUGH:
I was like a zombie by the time we left class at 9:00 last night. But she was her usual perky self, and she was well behaved and focused in class . . . even off leash! She is a fluffy little dynamo!

:CUTE: Proud Mama Grin:CUTE:

[Jespah]

We knew you two could do it!! Congrats, now that the first one is over you'll both relax and really enjoy all the good you're doing the next time!!

Yay J-GALS!!!!+REDAWARD+

Deb

[CorgiMum]

I am
:CUTE: Proud Mama Grin:CUTE:

And we are all so proud of both of you!!+PURPLEAWARD+

It sounds like your girl enjoyed all the attention, and I'm sure that each and every person that got a visit from her appreciated you both coming to visit them.

Congratulations to you both!! See, we all told 'ya that it would go well.

And then you both went to Rally class too? WOW!:TWITCHY:

[MrsGrace]

Yeah Jackie and Mom!!! +WUBCLUB+

Glad you had such a great time! Who wouldn't love that cute furry face?

Hope to hear more stories like this in the future. Congrats again on a great day!

[Lauren]

Congrats on your first visit, it sounds like you two had an awesome time!

All that worrying for nothing then? :LAUGH:

I never cease to be amazed at her stamina. After the nursing home, we spent about 20 minutes visiting with neighborhood children and their parents (they were all by the mailboxes when we got home, so I seized the opportunity to practice our manners around toddlers and babies), and we went to rally class last night too.

Holy geesh! At least I have two so they can wear each other out, lol, although I often joke that they're my pint sized personal trainers :COOL:

So are ya hooked on therapy yet?:WINK:

[Fluffypants]

I am definitely looking forward to next time. :CUTE:

[ZdogZ]

Jess ~ I knew you girls would do good! I think I speak for everyone when I say, "We are proud of you and Jackie!" +BLUEAWARD+

[Dillydoodle]

Jess, so proud of you two.. I am sure you really made the people's day. I am sure she will calm down a bit more and get more comfortable with it all the more she goes. I am not surprised she was able to do all of that and rally and still have energy to spare, afterall, i did see her in CT and she was go go go ! what a gal! awesome job!

Emilie

[Fluffypants]

I am not surprised she was able to do all of that and rally and still have energy to spare, afterall, i did see her in CT and she was go go go ! what a gal! awesome job!

Emilie

Yes - perfect example there! Thanks. :CUTE:

[Merlincorgi]

Yay to Jessica and Jackie! Glad to hear you two had a good day and that the visit went well. Give is a couple more visits and Jackie will be a pro I'm sure. Congratulations!

[sutulu]

Jess! COngrats on the first visit. I bet the people absolutely loved Jackie.

We are so concerned about our dogs being on their best behavior, sometimes it's best to relax and let them be themselves. It was said in an earlier reply that dogs can sense the situation and adapt their behavior.

Did you get pics? I bet Miss Jackie Fluffypants was just precious!

Susan

[MVons]

I am definitely looking forward to next time. :CUTE:Excellent that you both had a great time. Now you are all prepared for the next time and will enjoy it even more because no preparation worries.

Ice cream social - did they try to indulge Jackie in some?

People used to say "ah to have the energy of a child" I say ah, to have the energy of Jackie!

Merrie

[dcole]

Way to go Jess and Jackie!! That is so awesome that Miss Fluffypants is becoming a therapy dog. It's great to hear that she enjoyed herself. That (therapy dog) is something that I really want to do with Trevor someday, so I look forward to hearing all about you guy's next visit! :BIGGRIN"

[Fluffypants]

Luckily, they had finished their ice cream (for the most part) by the time we got there. And those that were still eating were not inclined to share their treat - which is a good thing. I didn't get any pics, but the staff were snapping away! :BIGGRIN"