Cypress HomeCare Solutions

It has been a couple weeks since my last post because I have been hard at work studying for a very important test, the Therapy Dog International certification, and guess what…I passed! I can finally visit people as an official Cypress HomeCare Solutions pet therapy dog! I am so excited that this day has finally come, and I can’t wait to comfort humans in need and bring some added joy to their lives.

Let me tell you about my big certification day. After a delicious Royal Canin breakfast (I am a princess, you know – all you have to do is check out my birthday photos), I headed off to the Doberman Pinscher Club Fun Match in Phoenix with my owner Susie. As soon as I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice how many dogs were there! And they sure caught my attention! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many fellow canines in my entire life. I thought I was only going to see what they call a “Doberman,” but there were a bunch of different types around. I even saw a black Lab, but I couldn’t play with him as I had to prepare for my test.

When I entered the testing ring, I was a little nervous, but Susie gave me a comforting pat that boosted my confidence. After meeting the tester, who looked at me and brushed my coat, I had to greet people who were using walkers and wheelchairs. The girl with the walker gave me an ear scratch (you all know how much I love those!) and the lovely woman in the wheelchair was so kind that I hardly noticed the clatter of metal bowls that was “supposed” to startle me. Do I look like a scaredy cat to you? I don’t think so!

They even put me through some tests that I already passed with my AKC Good Citizen exam. I was a bit confused, but I made sure I did a great job just in case someone was taking notes! All in all, I’m proud to say I passed with flying colors, which means this lady (no tramp) is ready to kick her pet therapy career into high gear! I want to make a difference in the lives of people who would like an occasional canine cuddle, so please don’t paws, just give me a call and I will do my very doggone best to be there!

If you didn’t already know, I’m not the only pet therapy pooch trying to make a difference in aging humans’ lives! Meet Kozzy (pronounced “cozy”), my new puppy pal and first professional colleague. His mom ran into my boss at a conference a couple weeks ago, and they figured we would get along great. Kozzy lives in Missouri and has been helping others through Nurses & Company for over six months. Since he’s such a pro, I figure he’ll be a great canine to call when I need some advice!

Kozzy visits people in hospice and gives them a little added love and care when they need it most. He is also pet therapy certified through Therapy Dogs International, which is where I will get my certification in the next few weeks. Maybe I can “chase” a few tips out of him! Like Kozzy, I love bringing joy and laughter to others – especially by cuddling and comforting the people I meet. I am really excited to have a new friend in the field, and hopefully one day we will be able to play some fetch together!

Woof! Yes, that is a bark of excitement….because…. I passed the American Kennel Club Good Citizen Test! And boy, was it a doozie. I had to pay attention and follow all of these commands and ignore all of the distractions, including the talking bird. No joke.

With my dogged focus and determination, I aced each part of the test without a hitch. I will admit, though, that the hardest obstacle was ignoring my fetching friend Toby, my trainer’s dashing Border Collie. I really wanted to run around with him, but I just sniffed him a bit and kept my cool (he didn’t seem that interested anyway). I knew it was important for me to pass, but I just couldn’t help my snout curiosity! Overall, even though it WAS a test (and I did study!), I had a ton of fun with my trainer, owner and puppy pals.