Casey’s Journey to Becoming a Registered Therapy Dog

When I adopted Casey, I had no idea what to expect or how to train a blind dog. I had no idea that a dog born without eyes could run circles around sighted dogs. . . literally!  Being a Border Collie with natural herding instincts, Casey always attempts to herd. Casey runs just as fast as any Border Collie and is amazingly aware of his environment.

I spent the first year training Casey in basic commands. It was difficult because I was so accustomed to using hand signals and eye contact; obviously neither of these worked with Casey.  I still catch myself using them when I give Casey a command. In the beginning I used a special touch or a sound (like a clicker) along with the command word and eventually phased out the touching and clicking.  Casey wasn’t very food motivated, but he loved to be praised. He associated the clicker with praise. After we got Archie, a sighted Border Collie, Casey finally discovered that treats were pretty special!

Casey was like a sponge and absorbed everything I did with him. He seems to have an uncanny and innate ability to understand what I want.  People always ask how I trained Casey. I never take credit for it; Casey is just a natural.

The first year of training I exposed him to all kind of things: hiking, biking, swimming, and meeting people. I even did agility to teach him how to navigate on his own in unexpected circumstances. Much to everyone’s surprise, he loved doing agility. He was even better than the sighted dogs in his beginner’s class!

Casey really trusts me.  He’s not afraid of heights, dark places (of course!) or the unexpected. He’s always on leash when he’s doing agility obstacles.  His safety always comes first. 

The instructor had never taught agility to a blind dog and was amazed how well he compensated.  It doesn’t matter what he tries; he always succeeds.

Casey loves people, and everyone who meets him seems to make a special connection with him.  Everyone kept telling me he should be a therapy dog because he was so special. 

One day at the dog park, Casey was running and playing with the other dogs when someone again mentioned that Casey would be a great therapy dog. One of the women exercising her dog at the park that day told me all about her experiences doing therapy dog work. She explained what was involved and how to go about getting Casey registered as a therapy dog. At the time it was late May. She said I should start the process immediately since I wanted to get involved in a reading dog program in our local school district.  That way we could train through the summer, get tested, and be ready to go by September. 

I went home that day and looked up the Therapy Dogs Incorporated organization (now called Alliance of Therapy Dogs) on the internet. I contacted one of their local evaluators and set up a meeting with her to find out what Casey and I needed to do to prepare for testing.  Much to my surprise, the evaluator said she did not think Casey needed any additional training and was ready for testing. Within the week Casey visited the skilled nursing area of a retirement community and passed the testing with flying colors. Casey was now officially a registered therapy dog. 

However, since I decided I wanted to work with children in our local school district, Casey also had to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.  Again, not being sure if Casey could meet the requirements of the test, I asked the evaluator to observe him beforehand to tell me how to prepare.  Again, I was told he was ready to test.

Within days there was a CGC test being administered, and Casey was just amazing! No one had any idea he was blind.  He went through the paces and came home that evening with his Canine Good Citizen title.

I then contacted Nor’wester Readers (now Nor’wester Therapy Dogs, Inc), the organization that places therapy dog teams in our local school district. At the time, I was unaware that one of the directors of Nor’wester Readers had been at the CGC testing and had seen Casey going through his paces. They were delighted to have Casey join their group and immediately placed him in the summer Public Library program that was to start in July.  Casey really got involved his very first day as you can see in the photo.  Reading seemed to be his thing!  That was six years ago, and Casey is still a regular at the Library.

​He visits nursing homes, works as an emotional support dog for children in a residential treatment center, helps children read and learn in area schools, and is a regular volunteer at the Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro, PA.  He certainly is an incredible Wonder Dog!

How It All Began

A number of years ago when I was visiting my mother, she handed me a brochure about a dog therapy program. As soon as my mother saw it, she knew it would be something that would interest me.

Since the brochure was about a program in a hospital, I started investigating area hospitals.  I located a program through the volunteer office at Doylestown Hospital, and I started the process of becoming a volunteer in their visiting dog program.  At that time the training was a self-study program developed just for Doylestown Hospital. 

My dog Maggie was a very sweet, lovable Border Collie mix who could do just about anything. There were twenty-one things the dog was expected to do as a visiting hospital dog, from carrying baskets, picking up things, and just lying quietly.  Maggie loved to do all of them.  I worked with Maggie until I felt she was ready for testing. 

The day of testing she was fabulous except for the last task. Another dog entered the room, and she barked once. It was a friendly-greeting bark, but nonetheless it was a bark, which was an automatic fail.  Everyone was so disappointed, even the evaluator, but rules are rules.  So, we waited until the next testing a few months later and had the exact same results. A few months later we tried a third time. Maggie rarely barked and never barked at other dogs when we went for walks, but for some odd reason she must have thought she was supposed to greet others while she was in the conference room at the hospital.  Unfortunately, this ended Maggie’s opportunity to visit at the hospital. She would have been a great therapy dog.

Casey

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Since we thought Maggie would be our last dog, therapy dog work became a passing thought. Then we fell in love with Casey, a Border Collie born with a congenital heart defect and without eyes.  It was love at first sight.  We thought he was the most amazing dog as he proudly walked down the steps to greet us for the first time. From that day on he became known as “Casey, the Blind Wonder Dog.”

​Shortly after he joined our family, my mother-in-law had a stroke.  So, the first few months we had Casey he spent every day at the nursing home with me.  When my mother-in-law would become agitated, Casey seemed to understand and would run to her side.  Blind dogs see with their hearts, and Casey intuitively knew that all she needed was a little love and comfort from him.  He was also very popular with the nurses and other residents. It became quite evident early on that Casey was a very special dog with a special job to do, and I needed to help him do it.  I wasn’t sure if he could officially become a therapy dog because he was blind, but I decided to find out. This was how our journey began. (to be continued next week)

Three years ago my life changed when my dog Colette and I joined Nor’wester Therapy Dogs.

We were assigned to a third-grade classroom at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School in the Upper Dublin School District. My couch potato dog, a sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was now up and off the couch, and I was with a wonderful group of children and an amazingly creative teacher. Each week we worked on a different academic skill from telling time to reading fluency. Colette flourished in the classroom setting and walked more quickly each week to get to the children she loved.

Because Colette and I enjoyed our visits so much, this year we chose to be with two third-grade classes and a fifth-grade class. It is so impressive to watch the children’s academic progress and equally impressive to observe their social and emotional growth.

In one of my classes I have a student who is painfully shy, almost to the point of selective mutism. Initially, she would not speak in class or even in a small group sitting with Colette. As the weeks passed, Colette’s calm presence encouraged this child to speak and increase her volume as well. Since the beginning of the year, she always sits right next to Colette and pets her the entire time her group is with us.

Last month she read two paragraphs to all of us, and it was the first time it was loud enough for everyone to hear. Another girl in the group turned to her and said, “I love to hear you read because you have a beautiful voice, and we don’t get to hear it very often.” All the children in the group agreed.

It was one of the most amazing moments in ALL my classroom experiences. The teacher has since reported that the child is also having normal classroom interactions too!

Stephanie’s Story

What Carol says is true…I always wanted therapy dogs in my classroom! I used to teach in a zoo, and I have always had pets in my classroom. I was so happy when Carol, Violet, and Tex were assigned to my class.

I have always strongly believed that we can learn a lot from animals. Animals help to teach students responsibility, empathy, understanding, and since my turtle walks freely around the classroom, it also teaches them to be aware of their surroundings!

A big part of my school year is spent studying dogs. We read novels about them, we learn about therapy and service dogs, and we follow the Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska. It seemed only fitting that I have therapy dogs visit my classroom.

I teach a typical 4^th grade class that also includes students that require learning support. It really has been amazing to watch the kids with Violet and Tex—especially the ones that weren’t too enthusiastic about having the dogs in to visit!

One boy in particular would never fail to mention that he prefers cats. He would ask if cats would be coming in, why we didn’t have cats visiting, and he always kept his distance when Violet or Tex would come in. Fast forward to this past week—the same boy now jumped up and ran to the door to give Tex a pet before he left!

The dogs have really transformed our class. There are always a core group of students who choose to read with the dogs. Some of them are great readers, and some of them are not, but they all get wonderful practice with reading fluency. Violet or Tex quietly listen and never correct them or judge them! The only thing they ask of the students is belly rubs. Especially Tex—he is never shy about sprawling out on the rug!

Tex especially has provided some great lessons for our class. The kids know that it is his first experience as a therapy dog, so they are understanding and patient with him. If he barks or gets scared, they know to comfort him or to let him know that everything is ok. They are also more mindful of things that might make him surprised or nervous.  It has become a great teaching/learning experience for the kids! Carol has been very open to new ideas and is always up for trying new things. She has been amazingly flexible with my crazy schedule. Our first year together is flying by, but I hope to try and incorporate the dogs into even more lessons next year. I feel so lucky to have Carol, Violet, and Tex as part of my team!

Carol Van Sant joined Nor’wester Therapy Dogs in 2018 and received her first assignment for the 2018-2019 school year. Carol was partnered with Stephanie Lucci-May, a Pennsbury elementary school teacher and ardent dog lover. Carol and Stephanie met for the first time at an introductory session in Stephanie’s empty classroom. It was both Carol’s and Stephanie’s first assignment. Both of them were a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect.  We thought it would help other newbies if we shared some of their experiences, and maybe spark some memories from those of you who have started volunteering already. Carol’s story appears this week. Stephanie’s story will be continued next week.

Carol’s Story

I finally retired in 2018 and was able to fulfill a dream of getting my two therapy dogs registered with Nor’wester Therapy Dogs in the fall. I love reading and believe literacy is very important, so this was a perfect fit. We were assigned to Stephanie Lucci-May’s 4^th grade class at Edgewood Elementary, and we were very excited to get started! Stephanie loves dogs and had been requesting a therapy dog team for her classroom for some time. Little did she know that she was getting a two-fer—two dogs instead of one.

Having the support of Lyn Bauer, Wendi Huttner, and Debbie Glessner in the beginning helped reduce my nerves. Stephanie’s interest, enthusiasm, and her preparation of her class for our initial visits helped even more. Stephanie and I really clicked, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner!

Violet, my yellow Lab, and I have been a therapy dog team for over 8 years, so she was no stranger to therapy dog work. I’m very confident in her abilities and the way she relates to others. She’s a happy girl and always enjoys giving affection. When we arrive on Monday afternoon, she wants to wander around and say “Hi” to everyone—including Stephen the turtle who roams the classroom freely!

For Tex, my yellow Lab/Great Pyrenees mix, Edgewood Elementary was his first therapy dog assignment. We adopted Tex 3 days before he turned 1, so there are things in his background that we can only guess at. He sometimes startles easily and will bark at weird things. Volunteering has been as excellent a learning experience for Tex as it has been for the students.

Tex is a big, goofy boy and enjoys getting attention. When Tex and I visit on Thursday afternoons, he likes nothing better than to wade into a group of students and lie down so they can rub his tummy. He really turns up the goof factor during our visit and the students love it!

It did take us a while to get started, but we are now a regular part of the classroom routine. We usually begin with a list of students who want to read to the dog. One of the students is the timer, and off we go! Amid licks, sniffs, and giggles, each student gets some reading done.

After individual reading time is over, Stephanie often works in some class activities with the dog. She did action verbs focused on the dog, reading a book to the class, and discussing empathy. One of my most memorable times happened with Tex. During individual reading time, a student accidentally shut the classroom door loudly, which set off a barking spree and a fear of the door. Stephanie’s lesson that day was on cause and effect. I can tell you that Tex was featured in many examples from the students!

To be continued next week . . .

Did you know that your therapy dog can earn official AKC (American Kennel Club) therapy dog titles? While the title is just a piece of paper, it is symbolic of the commitment and volunteer hours you spend in partnership with your therapy dog.

There are five titles your dog can earn based on the number of visits you and your dog have completed:

• AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) (10 visits)
• AKC Therapy Dog (THD) (50 visits)
• AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) (100 visits)
• AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) (200 visits)
• AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) (400 visits)

Both of our directors, Debbie Glessner and Wendi Huttner, happened to learn about the official AKC therapy dog titles. Debbie and Wendi were volunteering with their dogs and recording their sessions. As a result, they already had all the data needed to apply for the appropriate titles.

• Debbie’s black Labrador Retriever, Hannah, has enough visits to get the Distinguished title at least twice!
• Wendi’s black Labrador Retriever, Wes, also held the Distinguished title. Wes was our organization’s founding therapy dog.

Currently working Nor’wester therapy dogs holding titles are:

• THD (50 visits)

Genny (Paula Herman)
Patrick (Kathy Gardosh)

• THDA (100 visits)

Secret (Nancy Jorczak)
Sam (Kathy Gardosh)

• THDX (200 visits)

Moon (Nancy Jorczak)
Drusy (Nancy Jorczak)

• THDD (400 visits)

Hannah (Debbie Glessner)

When I asked Debbie what the benefits were from acquiring titles, she said: “The benefits were purely personal. I believe that all volunteers appreciate affirmation and recognition for their commitment.”

It’s not difficult to get a title. Of course, your dog must meet a few requirements before you can think about applying for one:

1. Your dog must be certified or registered with a therapy dog organization recognized by the AKC. The AKC recognizes many therapy dog organizations. Here are a few of them:
2. Bright and Beautiful
3. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (formerly Therapy Dogs Incorporated)

You can find a long list of recognized organizations on this AKC page.

• Your dog must be registered or listed with the AKC to get a number that is used to identify them with the AKC. If your dog is a registered purebred, then you already have a number. You can still get a number even if your dog is a mixed breed or an unregistered purebred.

There is also a bit of paperwork you must do:

1. Track your dog’s visits.  Visits must be documented with the time, date, location, and a signature of a staff person at the facility where you visited. You can use the handy form the AKC provides called the Therapy Dog Record of Visits Sheet, or a certificate or card from your therapy dog organization showing the number of visits made by your dog, or you can ask the facility where you are volunteering to provide a letter on their letterhead.
2. Complete the AKC Therapy Dog Title Application and mail it to the AKC with the fee (currently $20).

Why not get recognized for the wonderful work that your therapy dog is already doing? Want to get started or learn more? Visit the Therapy Dog page on the AKC website.

Last year the five-week Nor’wester Therapy Dogs summer public library visits at Northampton and Southampton were rousing successes! The librarians shared wonderful feedback from the parents and told us how much the children enjoyed participating.

The Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro, PA is currently developing its summer program and plans to offer it on Thursdays from 1 to 2pm.  It will start June 27 and run through August 8 with no session on July 4.  STAY TUNED for more information . . .

Often our teachers tell us wonderful stories of the impact their visiting therapy dog has upon their class and individual students.  The Nor’wester Therapy Dogs organization encourages our handlers and host teachers to always share the magic that happens when students achieve by the side of their therapy dog.

Katie Veneziale from Pennsbury School District highlighted two special stories how her therapy dog Obie and his handler, Lynne Tatarowicz, touched the lives of students in her class. She shared:

I have a boy who has been in my class for a couple of years. Last March, he tragically lost his mother. He continues to struggle behaviorally, emotionally, and socially in the school setting, although he is supported by a specialized curriculum. Lynne and Obie have been an important part of his therapy.

When Lynne and Obie are present in my classroom, he is calm, engaged, and focused. Each week he sits with them and reads, either assigned reading or his own writing samples. When another student is reading, he lies with Obie and pets him., He engages Lynne in conversation about home, school, likes/dislikes, etc. This established relationship outside of the home and formal school setting has been a consistent academic, social, and emotional support for this student.

I also have a 4^th grade student who has been with me since he was in 2^nd grade. He was nonverbal when he started 2^nd grade. The only time he spoke to me was to ask to use the bathroom or to get a drink. His academics were at the pre-primer level. When Lynne and Obie started visits, he acted like he had never been in the presence of a dog. He did not go near Obie or touch him. He did not talk to Lynne, but he would read sight words with me in front of Lynne to support his participation like the rest of his classmates.

Now that he is in 4^th grade, he sits on the floor next to Obie, constantly touching him and grinning ear to ear. He plays with Obie’s ears and rubs his belly. He will even volunteer to meet or drop off Lynne and Obie from the office during their weekly visit.

Academically, he has progressed from reading sight word lists to sharing writing samples that consist of four sentences which he has generated with editing support from the teacher/staff. Now this student is using expressive language constantly throughout the school day to communicate his wants and needs and to engage with peers.

One of the most important improvements is that he is constantly asking questions! He asks about assignments, our schedule, and how to do fix/prepare something in the classroom — it’s so beautiful! I truly believe that with the combined support of specialized curriculum and programming, including our therapy dog sessions, that these students make incredible gains academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. I feel confident that we are educating the whole child with our collaboration. I am so grateful to the Nor’wester organization!

Nothing is more stressful on a college campus than exam time. To help reduce the student stress level, BCCC’s Newtown campus has collaborated with the Nor’wester Therapy Dog organization to offer the Comfort Dogs on Campus program since the Spring semester of 2018. Our organization works with Jennifer Osinski, Deborah Hoelper, and Susan Paciolla of the Student Services Office.  Ms. Osinski commented, “We’re very lucky to have such a supportive therapy group. They’re fantastic, and we are so excited to work with them!” 

Students who have taken advantage of the program are very enthusiastic. Max and Abby were two visitors who stopped by to visit with the therapy dogs.

Max, from Solebury, had just endured final exams in world geography and macroeconomics with a third exam scheduled in environmental science within the next hour. He was stressed to the “max.” Knowing that therapy dogs from the Nor’wester organization were in the Rollins Center solarium, he stopped by to spend time with the furry stress busters. 

“Spending time with the dogs is a great decompressor,” said Max.  “There’s something so simple about them. They have no worries; they are just happy to see you and want attention.” After spending about 20 minutes with the dogs, Max headed out to tackle his last exam in a more relaxed frame of mind.

Abby, from Holland, was in a bad mood after finishing a stressful final exam when she passed by the solarium and saw dogs and students mingling.  Being a dog lover, she detoured to join the crowd.  After hanging out with each of the 5 dogs present, Abby left with a big smile on her face.  “Being with dogs is always a mood booster,” she said. 

Not only are the dogs wildly popular with the students, they also get many visits from college professors, staff, and administrators. 

Therapy dog teams are currently scheduled to be on campus April 30, May 2, May 6, and May 8. Confirmed dates will be posted by the Student Services Office. In addition to the Comfort Dogs on Campus Program, the college eventually hopes to use the Nor’wester therapy teams for other student services such as the AACHIEVE program and guidance-focused issues. Nor’wester has such a demand for college level services that we are calling for more therapy teams to join the Comfort Dogs on Campus force.  New teams can get an application and instructions on accessing the procedures to acquire the three required Pennsylvania security clearances in the Get Involved section of our website.