southwestern style therapy

Dear BROOD folks and fellow Bassets,

My name is Isabella. BROOD found me a forever home in March 2003 and I want to tell you about my wonderful life. At the time of my adoption, my people lived in Northern Virginia but soon we headed west to Las Cruces, New Mexico. New Mexico has big craggy mountains and deserts and lots of cowboy boots. The desert sure is different from Virginia! I had to learn how to avoid sharp spiny things that stick in my feet and to take a siesta in the middle of the day. No problem, my yard has plenty of grass and shade to stretch out in. Or if Dad’s home I climb up on the couch to help him watch tv. Every morning I escort Mom on a basset waddle in the desert where we see quail, lizards, coyotes, and jackrabbits. I know I could catch a rabbit if only Mom would let me off my leash!

Mom and I are a registered pet therapy team. I think there’s a picture of Mom and me here somewhere. We had to pass tests, be observed by many people, earn my Canine Good Citizen award, and register with a national organization. We visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, and developmental education classes in the schools. I love to put on my "working collar" with the tag that says "I am a Therapy Dog" and watch patients smile when I come into their rooms. Therapy dogs have to really like people and also get along with other dogs. Many of my best friends, like Cosette the French bulldog and Wolfie the mutt, are therapy dogs in Therapaws, our local organization. We have to know about wheelchairs and walkers, not be alarmed by strange sounds or smells, and also be willing to be petted for a long time, something that is easy for a basset. Mom also sent a picture of a buddy and me working at a nursing home during our holiday party.

When we go to developmental education classes we play with the children. Sometimes they get out of their wheelchairs and lie on mats on the floor so that we can cuddle up to them. They like to stroke my long silky ears We help the children learn to do things like turn their hands palm up in order to give us a treat.

Being a therapy dog is very rewarding. People become calm when they sit and pet me and sometimes they talk to me about dogs they have had or about their lives. Of course I keep anything they tell me confidential. Sometimes people who don’t interact very well with humans will open up to us dogs and that helps them to get better.

So you can see that my life is quite wonderful and all because BROOD found me such a loving home. Many thanks, tail wags, and kisses to you all.

Isabella, Registered Therapy Dog