[Dailydrool] bassets as therapy dogs

[Beth_Fuller at alnd.uscourts.gov]

Bassets make wonderful therapy dogs!

Abby has been a therapy dog for 8 years now - registered with the Delta
Society.  She has passed 4 tests so far - she is required to re-test every
2 years.  Abby thinks she has the most important job in the world -
letting people enjoy loving her!  Abby usually goes on 1 or 2 visits a
week.  Being short and too heavy to sit in laps, she has specialized in
visiting children and other people who can sit on the floor with her.  She
regularly visits Children's Hospital, a domestic violence shelter, and a
daycare for mentally challenged folks.

Rosie just took and passed her first Delta test in April.  So far, she's
just been on one visit - to a nursing home - and she loved it every bit as
much as Abby does.  Our group requires 8 visits to adult facilities now -
Abby didn't have to do that.  Rosie adores children and even told the pet
psychic that she hopes to be able to work with children like Abby does.

We have all enjoyed doing therapy work and would recommend it to anyone
whose pet has the right temperament.  No one can resist petting a basset
and petting a basset is guaranteed to make anyone feel better than they did
before.  The dogs love it, and you will get a great feeling just knowing
that your dog brightened someone's day.

Don't listen to the woman who questions whether a basset is able to focus
enough on being obedient to pass the test.  Abby and Rosie's trainer is
also a Delta evaluator.  She adores Abby and Rosie and has even asked if
she can test with Rosie so she can meet me at the daycare - I'd bring both
Abby and Rosie - and she will handle Rosie while I handle Abby.  I think
it's a great idea because Abby will not willingly give up any of her usual
facilities to let Rosie take her place!

Good luck to you!

Beth, Abby, Kaylee and Rosie