Pet Therapy

My Journey of Giving Back

use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.   Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to BodaciousBeardies.com and Susann Brody.
Copyright © Bodacious Beardies.com BeardedCollie.us Beardie.us 2008-

A Journey Through Pet Therapy

For more than ten years, pet therapy has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey with my Bearded Collies. What began as a way to share the companionship and comfort of my dogs with others became something much more meaningful — a connection between dogs, people, and the simple joy they can bring to one another. My first steps into therapy work began with Pet Partners, where I learned the importance of the partnership between a handler and their dog. It is not just about a well-trained dog; it is about trust, teamwork, and understanding how to bring comfort to people in a thoughtful and respectful way. Over the years, I became involved with Love On A Leash, an organization that I truly value for its dedication to therapy teams and the support it provides to volunteers. I appreciated their mission and the wonderful people I met through the organization so much that I volunteered to help with their voicemail, giving back in another way to a group that has meant a great deal to me. Bearded Collies have a special way of connecting with people. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and joyful personalities can make them wonderful therapy partners when matched with the right temperament and training. Each dog brings their own unique personality, and the greatest moments often come from the quiet interactions — a smile from someone who needed cheering up, a gentle visit with someone who needed comfort, or the happiness created simply by a dog being present. Several Bodacious Beardies have shared this journey with me. Sapphire was my first therapy dog and one of the most meaningful dogs in my life. She began her therapy work when she was about four years old and had a calm, intuitive presence with people. She had a natural ability to bring comfort wherever she went, whether visiting as a therapy dog, competing in the show ring, or simply being part of everyday life. Emerald continued that tradition, beginning her therapy work at three years old. She brought her own special personality to each visit and carried forward the wonderful temperament that makes Bearded Collies so special. Deeks joined the journey at just one year old, sharing his gentle, kind nature with the people he visited. His calm presence and loving personality made him a wonderful therapy companion. The memories created during these visits are some of the most treasured. Whether visiting healthcare facilities, meeting new friends, or simply sharing a moment of happiness, these dogs have shown me that their greatest accomplishments are not always measured by titles or awards, but by the lives they touch. Pet therapy has given me the opportunity to share the love I have for this wonderful breed while making a difference in the lives of others. It remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my journey with my Bearded Collies.
Pet Therapy

My Journey of Giving Back

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to BodaciousBeardies.com and Susann Brody.
Copyright © Bodacious Beardies.com BeardedCollie.us Beardie.us 2008-

A Journey Through Pet Therapy

For more than ten years, pet therapy has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey with my Bearded Collies. What began as a way to share the companionship and comfort of my dogs with others became something much more meaningful — a connection between dogs, people, and the simple joy they can bring to one another. My first steps into therapy work began with Pet Partners, where I learned the importance of the partnership between a handler and their dog. It is not just about a well-trained dog; it is about trust, teamwork, and understanding how to bring comfort to people in a thoughtful and respectful way. Over the years, I became involved with Love On A Leash, an organization that I truly value for its dedication to therapy teams and the support it provides to volunteers. I appreciated their mission and the wonderful people I met through the organization so much that I volunteered to help with their voicemail, giving back in another way to a group that has meant a great deal to me. Bearded Collies have a special way of connecting with people. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and joyful personalities can make them wonderful therapy partners when matched with the right temperament and training. Each dog brings their own unique personality, and the greatest moments often come from the quiet interactions — a smile from someone who needed cheering up, a gentle visit with someone who needed comfort, or the happiness created simply by a dog being present. Several Bodacious Beardies have shared this journey with me. Sapphire was my first therapy dog and one of the most meaningful dogs in my life. She began her therapy work when she was about four years old and had a calm, intuitive presence with people. She had a natural ability to bring comfort wherever she went, whether visiting as a therapy dog, competing in the show ring, or simply being part of everyday life. Emerald continued that tradition, beginning her therapy work at three years old. She brought her own special personality to each visit and carried forward the wonderful temperament that makes Bearded Collies so special. Deeks joined the journey at just one year old, sharing his gentle, kind nature with the people he visited. His calm presence and loving personality made him a wonderful therapy companion. The memories created during these visits are some of the most treasured. Whether visiting healthcare facilities, meeting new friends, or simply sharing a moment of happiness, these dogs have shown me that their greatest accomplishments are not always measured by titles or awards, but by the lives they touch. Pet therapy has given me the opportunity to share the love I have for this wonderful breed while making a difference in the lives of others. It remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my journey with my Bearded Collies.