Pet of the Month
Mandy's story is shared with us by her owner Marcia Chapman
Well, I am that very famous dog – like “BoBama” the First Dog who lives in the White House, I am a Portuguese Water Dog. People used to confuse me with a poodle or more lately, a Labradoodle. Not anymore – they point and say “that’s a...” and my owners nod their heads and start answering questions.
I have a sister, Caya, who is 10 ½. We get along quite well, although Caya is not so interested in playing anymore. Me, I romp all day.
What we do that I like very much is therapy dog work. We are both members of Therapy Dog International (TDI). We had to get trained to and pass a test. I am so glad “my people” decided to have me do this.
I go to Ephesus school and work as a Tail Waggin’ tutor. That means this past year, individually three second graders read to me for about a half hour each. We sat on a big pillow on the food and they chose the book they wanted to read to me. It is relaxing for both of us and makes the kids enjoy reading more. When they can’t say a word my person and I help them out. It really works! After we finish, they get a sticker and I get a treat. Everyone is smiling.
I also go to two Assisted Living places. Boy, those people really give me lots of pets, and they love to give me treats. It’s fun to hear their memories of dogs they had in their past. I think we all get so much out of my visits.
One of the best things I’ve done is work at the Camp ReLeaf program, sponsored by the Duke Hospice program. This is for kids who have lost a close loved one in the past year. About forty come together for a weekend. There were eight dogs this year and all the kids really appreciate touching, talking and playing with us. It wasn’t easy for them to share in the beginning but we helped make them feel safe and at ease.
All in all I’ve done a lot in my six plus years. I hope I continue to do all this and more. Watching Caya makes me think I have a good life ahead to try more things as a therapy dog.
I really appreciate being chosen to be Pet of the Month. I stay in good health because of the good vets at this place. I highly recommend them.
It’s great being a dog – it’s a good life!!!!!
Take a look at previous month's pet of the months, Weaver and Montana.
