by Dr. John V. Ioia, MD, PhD

While the world purebred dogs is full of excitement that includes all sorts of competitions and activities and also includes Champions, Grand Champions, Agility Champions, Obedience Champions and the like, nothing can be more rewarding for handler and dog than Therapy work. Regardless of whether it’s the visit to a nursing home, a hospital, a school, or an airport, everyone involved looks forward to and enjoys the visits, including the dog.

Jack (Kavalor’s Just Jack of Bar-Jon, CGC, CGCA, RN, RA, RE, APDT1, APDT AOM, THDX) began his life like many Cavalier puppies, a handsome Ruby boy with great potential. As he grew, it became apparent to his owners, John & Barbara that he would not be the great conformation show dog that they hoped he might be but he still was a great dog. Jack is special, a best friend, a dog that loves long car rides to places like Cape Cod. He loves walks on the beach, visits to places like Home Depot and rides in a kayak. He was such a frequent visitor to the Cape Home Depot Center that some of the workers began to recognize him and his little Therapy Dog in Training vest and John even thought of getting him a little hard hat.

After finishing a Christmas gift book, For the Love of a Dog, by Patricia McConnell, PhD, John decided to test

Jack’s brain and ability on a Saturday afternoon. Dr. McConnell makes the point that all dogs benefit from a job and a purpose. He found that Jack could learn an entire on-leash Obedience routine in about 20 minutes. This surprised and delighted the rest of Jack’s family. It also began Jack’s Rally career and he moved quickly through the different titles possible at the time. Jack often did so well that judges suggested that his handler should take lessons because it was John who was making the errors. Jack loved going to training classes at a facility called K-9 Crazy, meeting the other dogs and people. This was great but there could be more. The one thing that Barbara and John knew was that above all, Jack loves people. Cavaliers are incredibly social dogs with a loving attitude that puts them ahead of many and some feel all breeds in affection. Remember that our AKC Cavalier Standard describes an affectionate and happy dog with tail in constant motion. This makes a Cavalier an excellent Therapy Dog.

Around this time John’s Mom moved from NYC to be near them and into an assisted living facility. This is a lovely place with private apartments or rooms but lots of common areas and lots of seniors or super-seniors, most keeping to themselves. On one of John’s visits to the Senior Residence he brought Jack to visit Mom. People just took to Jack. Jack, already a Canine Good Citizen took the leap to training and then testing as a Therapy Dog under June Selby. June Selby is recognized in the Albany area for her Therapy work and teaching. She is also a well-known Shih Tzu breeder. Jack was and is certified by a Therapy Dog organization.

Jack’s first visit to this Senior Residence was amazing. In describing stories, I will change names to protect people’s identity. Our first interaction was with Donald, an elderly man who kept to himself. He spent his time alone, usually walking with purpose for exercise around the building and grounds, not speaking to anyone. He was one of only a few men in a facility predominantly occupied by women. You know that women generally out-live us men. When Donald met Jack there was an instant smile. Donald spoke with us, mainly Jack. Donald was a retired career military man, a paratrooper. He was stationed in the Artic and he had dogs, Siberian Huskies. He missed his dogs. He was out of his shell. Donald became a friend and looked forward Jack’s visits. He also seemed to speak more to others. This was Jack’s first success.

The Senior Residence is a huge old building, built in the 1920’s and recently upgraded, renovated and having had a wing added. It still retains much of the old charm. There are large parlors and common areas and many of the residents would sit in “Their place” each day, reading, doing some craft or simply looking out a window but keeping to themselves. Jack’s visits changed this. One such person was Sally. She sat each day by a corner window reading. She never said hello to me until Jack arrived. Jack’s wag broke the ice. Jack and I learned that she also had dogs and missed them. She also explained that she too had a military career. She retired as a sergeant, didn’t have much family, and didn’t feel she had much to speak about with others until Jack. Most of the staff would also look forward to Jack’s visits. The nursing staff took to him immediately and would ask for a hug and a kiss and they would always be obliged. The chef and the cooking staff also loved seeing Jack and would sometimes sneak him a little treat. I did explain to them that this was not appropriate for a Therapy Dog but it didn’t seem to matter. The chef, smelling like roast beef must have been a treat and challenge to Jack.

Part of the job of a Therapy Dog is to entertain. Jack could demonstrate his Obedience training to the delight of all. There are also special costumes for every holiday. For Christmas he wore a Santa suit. For St. Patrick’s Day he was Leprechaun with his green top hat and shamrock coat. Barbara has seen to it that Jack has special sweaters and coats for all occasions.

In addition to his Senior Residence visits, Jack is a frequent visitor to the Kingston Bone & Joint Center, dressing up as Dr. Jack and consulting or reassuring nervous patients during office hours or what may be described as cast clinic. He’s really great with children and the elderly.

Jack was recently recognized by the AKC as a Therapy Dog Excellent for having made 200+ visits. This took over five years with near weekly visits. Jack will be 14 years old in May and is in good health for a senior but has quite a bit of arthritis. This has slowed him down a bit and he will be passing the baton to a younger kennel mate. Emmy (Bar-Jon’s the Divine Miss Em, CGC, THD), our happy little Blenheim lady has begun visitations. She was just recognized by AKC as a Therapy Dog.

Therapy work is wonderful for all concerned. I would urge you to look around at your Cavaliers, whether they are big winning champions, retired show dogs or simply that Cavalier love of your life and consider one for Therapy work. All dogs should have a purpose. Perhaps one of yours may make a difference in other people’s lives as a Therapy Dog like Jack.