Services, Therapy Dogs, Our Stories, Rescued dogs can be useful

HappyTails

Do you have a story to tell? If so, send it to: sodapop2006@aol.com

Is Winnie looking for a handout?

Some of "Our Stories"

HI MY NAME IS WYNNIE AND I AM A THERAPY DOG and I LOVE MY WORK.

I MEET LOTS OF SPECIAL PEOPLE AND SOMETIMES I MEET OTHER DOGS WHO DO THE SAME WORK AS ME.
MY MOM TOLD ME SHE WANTED ME TO BE A THERAPY DOG BECAUSE I AM SO CALM, SOFT, FRIENDLY, AND A BEAUTIFUL SHADE OF
BROWN. I AM CALLED A CHOCOLATE LAB. WHEN MY MOTHER DECIDED THAT BEING A THERAPY DOG WAS MY CALLING, SHE SIGNED
ME UP FOR CLASSES IN BUSHNELL, FLORIDA. NEITHER OF US HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE AND WE GOT LOST. WHEN WE FINALLY
FOUND THE BUSHNELL PUBLIC LIBRARY WHERE THE CLASSES WERE BEING HELD WE HAD A QUICK WALK AROUND FOR ME IN THE
GRASS AND THEN WE WENT INSIDE.
THERE WERE OTHER DOGS THERE SITTING AROUND WITH THEIR FOLKS. WE WANTED TO MEET EACH OTHER BUT OUR TEACHER
SAID ,"NO" WE HAD TO LEARN TO GO ABOUT OUR WORK AND LET THE OTHER DOGS DO THEIRS. AFTER MOM FILLED OUT A LOT OF
PAPERS AND I SAT AROUND AND WAITED, THEY STARTED SHOWING US WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE TO BECOME A THERAPY DOG.
I GOT A SCARF THAT SAID "THERAPY DOG IN TRAINING". I FELT SO PROUD AS WE MARCHED AROUND THE ROOM. MY MOM SAID WE
HAD TO COME BACK FOR 5 MORE TIMES AND WE NEEDED TO MAKE 3 VISITS TO NURSING HOMES. SOUNDS LIKE FUN AND A RIDE IN
THE CAR. MOM GAVE ME SOME TIME ON THE GRASS, WATER, SOME TREATS, AND THEN HOME.
I CONTINUED MY CLASSES AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT BEING WITH PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE IN WHEELCHAIRS, WALKERS, AND VERY
FRAGILE. I LEARNED NOT TO EAT ANYTHING OFF THE FLOOR WHEN I AM WORKING BECAUSE THEY SAID I COULD GET SICK.
WHEN I WENT TO VISIT THE NURSING HOME. IT WAS LIKE A REALLY BIG HOUSE. WHEN WE WENT INSIDE WE WENT FROM
ROOM TO ROOM. I MET PEOPLE WHOM I HAD NEVER MET BEFORE BUT THEY WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE ME. THEY ALL SMILED AND
REACHED OUT TO PET ME. THERE IS A SPECIAL CONNECTION THAT COMES FROM THEM TO ME AND FROM ME TO THEM. SOMETIMES
A LIGHT APPEARS IN THEIR FACES WHEN THEY PLACE THEIR HANDS ON MY HEAD OR MY EARS. A TRACE OF A MEMORY DRIFTS BY OF
AN OLD FRIEND A LONG TIME GONE BUT STILL ON THEIR HEART, A FRIEND WHO WILL BE WAITING FOR THEM TO COME.
WE HAD A BIG CEREMONY CALLED "GRADUATION". MY WHOLE FAMILY CAME TO SEE ME PASS MY TEST AND GET MY
DIPLOMA. IT WAS A PRETTY TERRIFIC DAY.

I LOVE BEING A THERAPY DOG AND I FEEL PROUD WHEN MY MOM PUTS ON MY VEST AND I AM READY TO GO TO VISIT MY FRIENDS
AND SHARE A FEW MINUTES OF THEIR LIFE WITH MY LIFE.

LOVE, WYNNIE

My name is Bryson Whittier and I am what is known as a Shih Tzu. Since I can only talk dog talk, I am going to let my adoptive dad tell my story.
I was born on September 27, 2003 near Wildwood, Florida. I now live in Bushnell, Florida. My birth mother had five other dogs in her litter, three of
which died. I don’t blame her, but since she didn’t have enough milk for the rest of us, she tried doing me in as well. My brother and sister were able
to stay with mom until they were six weeks old.
I was weak and barely making it when my birth mother’s owner asked my adoptive mother to take me. I was to be a gift to my adoptive mom and dad if
they could get me to live. I was only three days old at that time. Since my adoptive parents are truly the only parents I have known, I will refer to them
as “Mom” and “Dad” for the remainder of my story.
Mom and Dad had planned a vacation several weeks before I was born, and went on a trip to North Carolina. They hadn’t named me yet, so when we
got to where we were going, I got my name. We stayed in a little town called Whittier which was near Bryson City, North Carolina, hence my name:
Bryson Whittier.
Dad and Mom took several pictures of me when I was small, one where I was half the size of a dollar bill. I also had pictures taken of bottle feedings,
while I was asleep, my first bath, and haircut. I have to admit I am a little bit of a camera hog (that is dog).
When I got a little older, my Mom and Dad took me to obedience school with my Dad doing most of the handling. I graduated as well, had my picture
taken, and also received a certificate.
Later on in life, my brother, Muffin, came to live with my Mom and Dad as well. He is a little feisty, but we do get along most of the time. It’s hard to
believe, but I weigh a little more than twice as much as he does. Mom and Dad say it is because I was fed on goats’ milk when I was little and
affectionately call me their “little porker”.
Thanks to some great people, I am now a registered Therapy Dog and belong to an outstanding organization called Therapy Dogs Incorporate d, or
TDI, for short. I received my registration in July of 2008. Mom and Dad said since I was doing such a great job, they should put my adoptive brother
Bruno through the course. Like me, he is also registered now as of January 2009. We visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I love to give
lots of kisses to the elderly and receive lots of hugs in return. We are also a part of the Reading to the Dog’s Program where young children read to
us. It helps the children by encouraging them to read. It helps us because like my Mom and Dad, they give us lots of loving. We also do the bell
ringing at least one day during Christmastime. Bruno has even visited the local Association for Retarded Citizens. We have also raised funds for the
American Cancer Societies’ Relay for Life Program, even though we got rained out. My Mom always dresses Bruno and me up for special occasions
and holidays when we go on our visits. Now my Mom and Dad take us all over the place. It is very rewarding to all of us when we see the smiles on
people’s faces when we visit. We also enjoy meeting other Therapy Dogs and their owner’s.
In all, my Mom and Dad have five dogs. They did have six, but my oldest brother, Buddy, passed away. Like Buddy, we are all rescue dogs. Each of us
has our own story, but due to time and space limitations, I am unable to go into detail.
I wish that more people would become involved with their pets in the Therapy Dog Program. The look I see in the eyes of people whose lives we
touch is more rewarding than words can express (my Dad told me to say that, but it is true). I only know that I am well loved by both Mom and Dad and
all the kind people I come in contact with. It is for this reason; I have dedicated my life to this great cause.

Bryson - Whittier's story...

Bruno & Bryson-Whittier

Bryson-Whittier

Wynnie's Story

            A short story about two wonderful people and a great dog.

  Who are Richard & Brenda Smith & Ivan?
   Story & photos submitted by Carl Nowell                                                                                                    August 1, 2010

   Not long ago I received a phone call from Ms. Susan Schrader. Susan informed me that she knew of a couple who
wanted to become Therapy Dog handlers. Ms. Schrader is an Animal Control Officer with the Citrus County Sheriff’s
Department. Ms. Susan has been training dogs for many years and is responsible for training Ivan to become a Service
Dog for Ms. Brenda who is hearing impaired and to alert to a specific medical situation should it arise for Ms. Brenda.

     I wondered why someone who had two situations that she has to deal with daily would want to become a therapy dog
handler. I soon found out on the first day of our Happytails therapy dog workshop who Ms. Brenda was and why she
wanted to make this happen. Ms. Brenda wanted to be able to give back to the community and to be able to present Ivan
to folks who have similar medical situations as Ms. Brenda. Richard joined Brenda so that he could accompany Ms.
Brenda wherever she and Ivan decided to visit. Now, that’s Teamwork!

    With both Richard & Ms. Brenda being retired they have time to make visits. They chose to visit a facility for the hearing
impaired in Crystal River. This facility helps children adapt to their situation.

     Ms. Brenda is also an accomplished artist. What talent this young lady has... Richard keeps busy doing all sorts of
handyman work so he won't get old during his retirement. Ha

     Shortly after meeting Ms. Brenda & Richard I realized how special these folks really are. Ivan is also a very cool dog.

     On a couple of occasions my wife and I met up with Ms. Brenda & Richard at a local family restaurant named Cock-A-
Doodles in Inverness, Fl.

    We had to look under the table for Ivan because he obeys Ms. Brenda by lying quietly until it is time to leave. We
noticed how many people knew Ms .Brenda & Richard but they also knew Ivan.

     I heard Richard say one time that “This dog has a life I wish I had.” Richard was referring to the home life and care Ivan
receives. After listening to all of Ivan’s good fortune I had to agree that Ivan had it made.

     Ms. Brenda & Richard completed our Happytails workshop easily and are now registered therapy dog handlers with
Therapy Dog Inc. Of Wyoming.

     Gale & I are very happy that Richard & Ms. Brenda Smith & Ivan came into our lives.

     Look around for photos of Ms. Brenda & Richard & their great “Rescued” dog Ivan turned Service Dog & Therapy Dog.
What a great combo this is. Ivan may now have the best of both doggy worlds. He can take care of Ms. Brenda and when
allowed, visit with people, making them Smile,
One-Wag-at-a-Time.

      If you happen to see Richard, Ivan & Ms. Brenda out on the therapy dog trail stop them and say hello. You will be happy
ya did.

      Now it is time you met Ms. Brenda & Richard Smith and IVAN!

Richard & Brenda Smith with Ivan

Susan Schrader on left Brenda & Richard &
Ms Jodi

I'm tired Mom, I'm sitting this one out...

Wheeeeee, love an open window

Bugs not allowed in my house.
Don't even try it...

I am Ivan, I sleep where I want...

C'mon Dad, I need a road trip...

Don't I look cute here? ha

See anything ya like Ivan?

Hi Dad, What's up?

Brenda, Richard & (Ivan) Smith

Out on a visit.
This is what it is all about...
Making people Smile, One Wag at a
Time.

Stop by again for more of "Our Stories"

A Visit with the young ladies attending a Summer Day Camp program in Leesburg, Fl

We wish to say Thank you to the Handlers & their Dogs for visiting with a great group of young ladies during their Summer Day Camp.

When we arrived Susan & Phoebe and Cecil & Bryson were waiting for us. Us being Pat, Al & Peanut, me, Gale & Sodapop. Soon after Jo and her
Mom with Lacey arrived, followed by our newest members, Mary & Jada. Today will be their first visit since their Graduation and we are happy they
were able to join us today.

Ms. Darla Huddleston, Program Director, greeted us and off we went to see the young ladies.

Each of us had a story to tell about our dog. Susan informed the group on how important it is to take good care of their pets.
She also mentioned a few other important details that she, an expert, being a County Animal Control Officer as well as a veteran dog trainer has first
hand knowledge of. The youngsters listened patiently and when we were finished the girls had some time to play with the dogs.

This visit was "Special" for us as well as for the dogs. Our dogs need some Fun Time and this worked well... the dogs just laid there and looked cute.

Double click on the
photos for a larger view...

Darla, Jo & Lacey

Cecil & Bryson-Whittier

Mary (aka Wounded Wing) & Jada

Al, Pat & Peanut

Such a well mannered group of
young ladies...

Ms. Darla Huddelston addresses
the group. (dark yellow blouse)

Darla's dog, Freckles has a new
friend...

Susan, far right, talks to the girls.

Sodapop get her hugs & pats...

Pheobe says "I want to play
with the girls Mom."

This young lady showed us her "Dream Board".
Each of the girls made one but we only got to see
this particular one today.
What a lovely job she did filling in so many of her
dreams & wishes. I read every one of her entries
and I was impressed as it was from her Heart.
Good Job...

Phoebe shakes her head saying
NOOOOOOOO, I don't want to
leave. These girls are great.

Thank you ladies for having us today and a big Thank You goes out to each Dog
Team for making this a wonderful visit.
Carl, Gale & Sodapop

Great job Darla, Thanks for letting
us be part of it.