Science has proven that interacting with animals is therapeutic for people of all ages. Even traumatized children sometimes respond to animals long before communicating with people. That’s why thousands of dog owners thrill disabled children and warm aging hearts by visiting institutions and inviting residents to play with their friendly pets. Some volunteer independently at a nearby institution and make weekly visits on a regular schedule. Others join one of the hundreds of Therapy Dog clubs across the nation. These dedicated groups, with names like Compassionate Canines and Sirius Angels, prepare their members to visit children’s homes, nursing homes, hospitals, schools for the physically or mentally challenged, cancer wards, rehabilitation centers, hospices for AIDS victims, and even prisons. While the results are almost always positive, occasionally they are astonishing. Minor miracles have been documented. For example, when a mute four-year-old finally whispered her first word, it was the Therapy Dog’s name. And when the tiny victim of a drunk driver finally moved her injured arms, she reached out toward a Therapy Dog.

While you and Spot may not create miracles while performing pet therapy, you will surely enliven drab, depressing lives. When bored eyes brighten and pinched mouths relax into smiles, you’ll understand that you and Spot are giving a great gift, and receiving wondrous rewards, by just being there.

All dogs, purebred or mixed, are welcome in pet-assisted therapy programs. Requirements vary from one Therapy Dog organization to another, and sometimes from institution to institution, but generally Spot will have to pass one or more tests before being allowed to participate. That’s because dogs working in therapy situations are very special. They must be completely confident, and have temperaments stable enough to withstand petting with jerky motions that may resemble hitting; hugs that may be too hard and too confining: and accidental bumps from hospital equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. Tests for Therapy Dogs evaluate temperament, as well as training, because these animals must have dependable dispositions and impeccable manners. They must also obey basic commands in the midst of major distractions, including institutional odors, hospital equipment, crowds, and noise.

At least three national organizations, Therapy Dogs International, Therapy Dogs Incorporated, and the Delta Society, have certification programs and tests for potential therapy dogs. They require that dogs pass the therapy version of the Canine Good Citizen Test (the AKC’s original test with the addition of service equipment) and in addition, each organization has requirements of its own. For information on how Spot can become a therapy dog, contact Therapy Dogs International (201) 543-0888, Therapy Dogs Incorporated (307) 638-3223, or the Delta Society (206) 226-7357.