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Pomeranian
Therapy Dog: The Story of Our "Furby"
by
Roberta Malott, Pondside
Hi to
all you poms out there. My name is Furby and I am a
therapy dog. "What is a therapy dog you ask?" Well,
it's when I go with my friends (an Australian Shepherd, Belgian
Sheepdog and a Border Collie/X to visit people who live in
Nursing and Retirement homes one day every week. My Mom entered
me in some shows when I was a puppy, and everyone kept saying
"how big I was". I only weigh 6 lbs - and if you
want big - I live with four Rough Collies - now that is big!
So off I went with Mom - to learn to be a therapy dog. I
pranced into the rooms, pushed past the other dogs (to be honest
- I just scooted right under them), and onto a lap. Got a
big hug and told how cute I was. Well, finally, I had
found people who did not think I was "too big". I
enjoy every minute of it.
People tell me what an important job I do - bring smiles to
people who don't have much to smile about, I feel very special
because sometimes people talk to me who never speak to anyone
else. The people tell us all about their pets that they
have had in the past, and some have had to be left behind.
I am told we really make a difference. I have been a therapy dog
since I was about nine months old, now I am almost 3 years old.
I look forward to my Thursdays, with all my dog buddies and
friends at the Homes. We visit several Homes, but only 2-3
each Thursday. Some of the people we only get to see every
four weeks. I wish we could see them more - they really
look forward to us coming to visit them. The only thing we
don't like too well - our Moms dress us up for the holidays like
Christmas and Easter. But, WE DO LOOK SO CUTE! And
where else can you get all the treats you want, get hugs and
told how cute you are?
This is a picture of me in my Christmas finery
being
held by one of my special friends - she thinks I am pretty nice.
So, if
any of you don't like the show ring, OR if somebody says you are
too big - not so - you just ask if you can be a therapy dog.
It is a fun job and you will bring happiness to many people.
I also play around in the agility ring - but that is another
whole story.
Oh, by the way, did I tell you if you learn to dance on your
back feet and beg - you get even more treats? I also
learned to sit and speak. The people think that is pretty cute.
Well, I better go so, with pen in paw, I will say - BYE for Now.
~
Furby Clark
My Mom, Marg Clark
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