Happy Paws

Recently, I had the priveledge and pleasure of meeting a volunteer therapy dog named Mia, a seven year old Bernese Mountain Dog who has been treated for her heart condition since she was a young puppy.

When we met, Mia and her mom Chris Bridge were seeking a trainer to help them properly prepare for the Therapy Dog Certification Test administered through the Delta Humane Society in Colorado. 

Right from the start, Mia's easy nature drew me in and her cuddly body and loving smile will make anyone fall in love with her!

She loves children and connects with them on a level that could only be described as spiritual.

We began training together in August preparing for their big test last weekend.  Each week I would go to their home with crutches and all different sorts of sound makers in order to desensitize Mia to those awful noises and unpredictable situations.  I don't believe in training for just the therapy dog test however, so we covered several other key skills so regardless of what this duo did they would be ready!

On our last day of class we decided to meet at a local pet store to expose Mia to an intense series of situations and countless high-pitched noises in a target rich environment.  At first, Mia was a bit stressed and unsure of her arch nemesis the automatic door strategically placed at the front of the store.  We guided her calmly and effectively to help acclimate her with this busy place. We wandered around practicing the skills covered in the test, walking up and down the aisles. At the very end of the pet food aisle we spotted a little boy and his mother.

The little boy was very excited and had so much energy he couldn't stand still and struggled with expressing what it was he wanted.  We approached them and asked the boy and his mother if he would like to pet Mia.  His mother gladly accepted but seemed a bit nervous about her son being careful with such a large dog.  As we began walking up to him his mother noticed Mia's vest and asked what kind of therapy dog she was. Chris explained that Mia has had years of experience working with special needs children.

Immediately when Mia saw the little boy standing beside her and how small he was she laid down slowly beside him leaning her big graceful head against his leg.  (Mia participates in the R.E.A.D. program which focuses it's efforts on working with special needs children who get to spend quality time to a relaxed and loving dog resting beside them.)
Before now, I had never seen Mia work with a child but for anyone in the store, it became evident that this was her calling in life.  Nothing in the world makes her light up like being around a child and while watching her and Chris it was truly an incredible experience to be part of.

Chris calmly and quietly helped the boy to relax in the store, pet Mia, give her a hug, and a nice big doggie kiss. I stood there mesmerized by the three of them in what seemed like their own little world.  Chris and Mia make an incredible team and provide a much needed therapeutic service as volunteers in their community.  A half hour passed while the little boy and Mia sat and read  a little story together and by the end both of them we calm and happier than ever. After that, Mia was cooler than a cucumber going through the electric doors and ready to go take a well earned nap at home.

I felt moved to share this with all of you because during my training career I've been lucky enough to experience moments like this, that seem to strengthen my bond to these incredible dogs we love.

Today I got an email from Chris with an update from her and Mia which I will share here:

Mallery, Mia and had our test last Saturday, we passed with flying colors. Actually we were given the highest rating the Delta Society and American Humane gives. We are now rated Complex with no Restrictions. We were only rated 1 on the neutral dog, Mia decided that she didn't want to sit, BUT tried to gaze around me to look at the dog. I stepped in front of her as you taught me and got her to sit and stay as I shook the other handlers hand. Other than that we were rated 2 on everything, which is their best rating.

THANKS for all your help.
Warmly,
Chris and Mia

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Being involved with this amazing pair has been an honor and I look forward to hearing about their future successes as I know they will continue to touch countless lives of both special needs children as well as children undergoing extensive health treatment such as cancer patients.
I, much like the children they work with on a regular basis have been positively changed by them forever.  I am captivated by their dedicated work ethic and wise loving nature and have been deeply touched by them forever.

-Mallery Bosworth, ABCDT.
Owner-Master Trainer of Happy Paws Dog Training Services