Sharon Newman became a Certified Lend A Paw Handler because she believes in the human/animal bond. She truly believes that animals, especially dogs, can affect the way people feel.
And she has enjoyed being a therapy dog handler so much, and felt so much fulfillment from each visit that she has decided to raise a puppy to become a Lend A Paw Certified Therapy Dog.
So this past Summer, Sharon brought Roxy home; Roxy is an adorable Golden Retriever who already demonstrates all the qualities a dog should possess to be a good therapy dog: She loves people and wants to please them.
As her puppy grows to maturity, Sharon has been blessed with the generosity of others by them "lending" their therapy dogs to her for the Lend A Paw visits. But a few weeks ago, Sharon had a wonderful experience with Roxy and she would like to share this story with everyone.
"Roxie and I were enjoying a morning walk in my neighborhood one Saturday morning, when we encountered a man sitting in a wheel chair in the shade outside a residential house. I know this house to be a residence for adults with severe head injuries as a result of some type of trauma. As we approached him, he smiled broadly and lowered his hand, as if asking to pet Roxie. We got close and Roxie was a perfect lady. She put her head in his lap and he petted her over and over. I told him her name and age. Through his labored speech I could make out that he said "Hi Roxie." We stayed a few minutes, all the while the smile never leaving his face. When we said goodbye, he mumbled "Bye, Roxie."
It was such a beautiful, impromptu moment. It made me even more happy and excited about bringing Roxie into the Lend A Paw program!"
Roxie will be eligible for testing for certification with Lend A Paw when she turns one year old. Stay tuned for updates on her progress to reach that goal!
Story and photos by Nathalie Seguin.
It was such a beautiful, impromptu moment. It made me even more happy and excited about bringing Roxie into the Lend A Paw program!"
Roxie will be eligible for testing for certification with Lend A Paw when she turns one year old. Stay tuned for updates on her progress to reach that goal!
Story and photos by Nathalie Seguin.
awwww great story and photos. that reminds me of what cali did when she was around 7 months old. we visited a friend in the hospital who was recovering from knee surgery. she said i could bring cali because they were dog friendly at the facility. the woman in the next bed was close to 100 and in and out of consciousness. she heard cali come into the room and motioned for us to come over to her. she then motioned for cali to come up to her. instead of leaping on the bed, cali gently climbed up and laid down next to her - quite a feat for a still wiggly puppy. the woman talked to her and cali gently kissed her face. she asked me a little about cali and then we left to go visit my friend who told me that was the first time she'd seen the woman cognizant since she'd been rooming with her for days. dogs have amazing intuitive characteristics. that incident was one of the reasons i felt cali would be good for therapy work. roxie will make a wonderful therapy dog very soon! just curious how old she is now?
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