The Dood DID IT!!

Ivan successfully passed his evaluation to become a part of a local therapy animal organization.  This is not a national organization but perfect for what we need and we are covered by the organizations insurance when on visits. They evaluated him even though he isn't a year old yet.  The vets that evaluated Ivan thought he did a great job and had no concerns about his ability to work with people.  The test was not as in depth as what we anticipate it will be for Pet Partners or another national therapy dog organization.  It covered basic obedience commands, interacting with other dogs, interacting with crowds, being approached by unsteady people using walkers/wheelchairs and receiving lots of attention (group hug/clumsy petting etc) from strangers.

We plan to start going on visits very soon but first we want to take care of getting Ivan neutered.  I wish the timing would have been different but it looks like we won't get any visits in before the surgery.  He has an appointment early next week to see if he is ready and if he is we will schedule the surgery ASAP.  But once he is completely healed from this we will be out making the community a happier place one dog kiss at a time!

We are still working with our in-home trainer and Ivan is working towards the AKC Canine Good Citizen award.  He will hopefully accomplish that by early next year.  After that, we will see where he is at but I think we will work with the local therapy dog organization for maybe a year before looking into being evaluated by Pet Partners.  I want to make sure he is good and ready.

Give us about a month and then start checking back for updates on Ivan's visits in the community.  I am sure, as with everything so far, it will be a learning experience.  Stay tuned!!