Recently graduated therapy dogs give back to community
By Charles Christian
A special group of canine graduates will continue to provide a calming presence to those in need with the addition of a few more paws.
The new team of trained therapy dogs graduated from the Pony Express Therapy Dogs program on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., at Zion United Christian Church. Pony Express Therapy Dogs Executive Director Bill Luce said each dog has passed a special test and a probationary period.
“We evaluate our dogs about every six months,” Luce said. “We make them go through a test similar to the Canine Good Citizen test the American Kennel Club has.”
Dogs of all breeds, who are at least 1 year old and have been in the handler’s care for at least three months, can participate in the program. Once registered with a team, the dogs and their handlers attend a minimum of one therapy-related visit each month.
“We bring lots of joy to people’s lives,” Luce said. “The places we visit include nursing homes, schools and hospices.”
Pony Express dogs also participate in the “Book Buddies” program, where they visit a local library and allow kids to read to the dogs. Dogs sit attentively as they are read to and petted by the kids and their parents. Dog owners also share trading cards with their dog’s name, photo and list of tricks and other favorite things. The cards have become popular items for collection.
Recent graduates Dallas and Carson are different breeds and are very different in size, but their owners said that when they saw consistent traits in their pets, they knew the Pony Express Therapy Dog training and outings were right for them.
Terry Ann Puderbaugh, a nurse, often allowed her golden retriever, Carson, to assist her with her elderly patients.
“We came to the public library one day,” Puderbaugh said, “and he stood up and started barking. He wanted to know where those children were going. He just loves people, and he is a very calm dog.”
Likewise, Dallas’ owner, Kevin Kelley, said his shih tzu has always gotten excited entering schools and libraries.
“When we get ready to go, Dallas starts turning around in circles and gets really excited when we’re going to go visit somewhere,” Kelley said.
The interactions have produced stories that each therapy dog owner holds dear. Many of the dogs in this group are older, and though their sizes and personalities are different, they all find ways to be an attentive companion to the child or adult they are sitting with. The owners also receive great satisfaction in seeing their dogs make a difference.
“Next to teaching,” Luce said, “it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
Pony Express Therapy Dogs is affiliated with the Buchanan County. For more information about getting involved, or to schedule a therapy dog visit, call (816) 279-1691, or visit the Facebook page.
