My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends. Here is short report of our visit.

First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page. www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

Benny, my black lab, is about 6 years old now. Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows). He loves going to visit our friends in the home. His tail is like a rotator as soon as we come near our first friend. Clearly, this is where he loves to be. Actually, this is where he belongs. He is gentle, good natured and full of love and affection. And, he is always hungry.yup, a true lab, he is always hungry. Our friends at the home love him to death, so to speak. He truly makes their day brighter and better.

Then there is Nikki, my 1 year golden puppy. Nikki is a typical 1 year golden. She is full of life. She keeps me hopping. And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends.

Both my dogs love to go visiting. They know as soon as we get close to the home where we are going and why we are there. This is such a wonderful work.

I encourage anyone who has a dog that loves people, is well mannered to investigate the possibility of dog therapy visiting. The nice aspect about this is, the dogs do NOT have to be obedience trained, just obedient. Big difference!

A few weeks ago, when I brought my golden to the home, one of the directors noticed that one of the residents was watching the dog. The director said why dont you go over and see what she will do. This lady we were going to see was in one of those high backed chairs that also serves as a bed. She was not able to sit, or move up. But, she was able to move her head sideways, drop her arm, and pet my dog. WOW! She was thrilled. She gently talked to Nikki, and when I asked her a few questions about dogs, she answered me. Now, the director came over to me, and told me this lady never speaks to anyone, except to tell them where to., well you know what, right? This lady was unhappy, and other then telling everyone off, she never talked to anyone conversationally. The director was thrilled to see her react this way. These experiences make visiting worth while. And let me tell you, it IS worth while.

I have just opened a forum for pets and owners. Why dont you drop by, say hello at http://www.mimfreedom.com/bulletinboard

Ruth Bird

Dog Therapy Visiting has been a passion of Ruth?s for 5 years. She has three dogs, two black labs and one golden retriever.

Ruth first became involved in this work while visiting a friend in the hospital. A beautiful big golden retriever, Tasha, silently walked into the room and she instantly fell in love with the dog and what the dog represented. Both Tasha and the owner became Ruth?s mentor.

Ruth visits two senior homes on a regular basis with two of her three dogs. Her third dog, Dukie, is blind.

Ruth has been married for 27 years with her husband Chris. Chris is currently fighting the monster, MS. You can reach Ruth at her website.