Dogs as therapy

Irish Therapy Dogs? - what is all this about I thought, when I was at the Dublin Pet Expo show a couple of years ago. Now, as an Irish Therapy Dog volunteer, I have found the ideal job with Rusty, my Irish Terrier. Rusty came into my life four years ago when I adopted him from a dog rescue centre. He was 5 years old at the time, and had only known life outdoors in a back yard and had little human contact.. Indeed, he didn't want to step inside my home when he first arrived, but soon revealed his kind and loving nature. I contacted the Irish Therapy Dog charity and within a few weeks of application, Rusty and I were approved to begin visiting in Clonakilty at the local Mount Carmel Hospital. We spend between 3 to 4 hours once a week, and the joy that Rusty brings to the patients and people in respite care is a pleasure to see. The nurses call out "Rusty is coming!" when we arrive, and he steps out smartly in his Irish Therapy Dog uniform (jacket, collar and lead) and knows ex…