Happy National Therapy Animal Day!

So April 11th is National Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, and April 30th is National Therapy Animal Day!  The difference is that today we celebrate all therapy animals, a surprisingly long list, which even includes Therapy Chickens! Of course I’m biased, but for me, it’s the dogs that seem to spread the most joy.  But for someone else, it might be a chicken that brightens their day…we won’t judge!

Today is special for another reason, it’s Sophie and Maizie’s 8th birthday!  Fortunately, one of their brothers, Finn, lives in a neighboring town.  So we met at the local park, to let the siblings play together on their special day.

Group picture of the collies, Sophie, Maizie and Finn.

Finn’s Dad took this picture, I love how sweetly they focused on me!  Since today is a National holiday honoring all the work, care and compassion of therapy animals, it seems like a good day to share some of my therapy collies’ recent accomplishments.

Ryder and Scarlett both earned their THDX title, Therapy Dog Excellent, from the AKC.  This is earned by completing over 200 therapy visits.

Sophie should be earning her THDX soon…probably in June.

Sophie, on the right, with her friend, Kelsea

And little Addison has become such an amazing therapy dog, just as I had predicted.  She just shines during these visits, and everyone just adores her.  She will soon have completed enough visits to earn her THDA title.  The THDA, or Therapy Dog Advanced title, is earned by completing 100 therapy visits.

If you are considering training your dog (or chicken) to do therapy visits, please check out your local pet therapy organization.  It’s such a rewarding experience for everyone involved!