Pet Therapy
My Journey of Giving Back
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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.