Anyone ever have a rest home dog?

Macdaddy4738

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Just wondering what Id have to do to get my dog certified to spend time in a rest home. She would be perfect for it, loves everyone and is probably the sweetest dog you'd ever meet.

I think more people need to enjoy what I have since I got her from the Avery County Humane Society back in January, and I think this is a good way.

I dont want her there permanently of course, but maybe like a weekly or biweekly trip. She is a decent sized dog, around 60 pounds or so, but she things she is a lap dog.
 
it was about 15hrs of classes to get my last dog therapy certified which I think is what you're talking about

check therapydogs.com and see if it's something you think you and your dog would enjoy

did it in IL so i can't really help you with NC contacts but hopefully that will get you on the right track

she found a new home with DAV when I moved from IL
 
I think it's great you want to do this. I have some experience seeing what joy they bring. My dad is in a Alzheimer’s wing where he lives. We brought my daughters Pomeranian in one day to show my dad and got mugged. They all wanted to touch, pet and play with the dog. It really made the day for several of the patients and even the staff. I have since been thinking of getting our sheltie certified to do this. People who are shut in love the dogs and it sure brings back memories for them. These people couldn't of told you what they had for lunch that day but started right in on stories from their childhood of dogs they had.
 
I think its a wonderful idea. My mother was in hospice prior to her passing and they had a poodle. She would come and stand in the doorway and look around but only come in when invited. She came in my mothers room and jumped on the bed with her,of course when invited. Therapy dogs are wonderful.Maybe you could call hospice and ask them how to go about doing that.
 
Our dog (90lb labradoodle) is a certified care dog. I didn't end up going to class. My mom and sister did it. Supposedly it's not too bad as long as the dog is well behaved and will sit and stay on command
 
Sounds like a great idea - but I do have to wonder if a 60 lb dog that thinks it is a lap dog might be a bit of a danger to frail old folks? E.g. knocking somebody down just out of eager/friendliness.

I'd think an old cat would be ideal for this, they are such attention whores. And nobody actually wants their cat around anyway...
 
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