Once Rudy began feeling better and
coming out of his shell, Kathy looked into training classes through the City of St. Petersburg's Parks and Rec Department. The pair had such a good time in Basic Training classes, that Kathy enrolled them into the Intermediate classes. “The more socialization I was able to do with Rudy, the more he started to blossom,” said Kathy. “Getting him to trust me first, then other people has been our biggest ongoing challenge.”
after an adoption, the adopter receives a card explaining the process and steps needed for their dog to become a therapy dog,” said Kathy. Wherever they go, Kathy makes sure to “listen” to Rudy, who lets her know
Suncoast Hospice patient Larry requested Rudy’s visit. He had been missing the company of his own dog, an Australian Shepherd.
the years, which has enabled us to create a very specific set of policies and proce- dures for our therapy dog program,” added Alicia Lawler, Senior Volunteer Coordinator Suncoast Hospice Care Centers and Program Coordinator for Pet Visit & Pet Peace of Mind. After receiving his Canine Good
Therapy dog Rudy is on his way to visit with a patient at Suncoast Hospice.
Having helped raise three puppies through the Southeastern Guide Dog’s puppy raiser program, Kathy knew that she wanted Rudy to become a therapy dog. “Through it all, he has been the most giving and gentle dog,” she said. Ultimately, her goal would be to do therapy work with Suncoast Hospice, the program that helped take care of both of her parents. “They were so good to my parents. It’s my way of giving back,” said Kathy. “Because of Suncoast Hospice, both my parents were able to remain at home.” Kathy’s father passed in 2003, her mother in 1993. Suncoast Hospice has had a therapy
dog program for 12 years. “We grew from five dogs in a very loosely-struc- tured program to now having almost 100 dogs,” said Sarah Varga, Marketing Communications Manager at Suncoast Hospice. “We’ve learned quite a bit over
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Citizen award, Rudy was screened by and received his therapy dog certification through Project P.U.P. (Pets Uplifting People).The Tampa Bay area organization has had an 11-year partnership with Suncoast Hospice. Since becoming certified as a
therapy dog, Rudy and Kathy have visited Moffitt Cancer Center and other USF Health patient facilities. They also volunteer for Project P.U.P. training events and Mastiff Rescue of Florida. However, Suncoast Hospice is their pri- ority. “We try to come at least once a week,” said Kathy. “I always leave here saying that this is the best hour I’ve spent all week.” Rudy sleeps on Kathy’s bed during
the day. “But, at night, when I pull the covers on my bed, Rudy knows it’s time for him to go to his bed,” said Kathy. Rudy receives a bath prior to going out as a therapy dog. It’s one of the rules of the program. Kathy also does prescreening for
potential therapy dog candidates at the SPCA Tampa Bay. “Adding that the dog is therapy-dog-worthy to the dog’s card makes the dog more adoptable. Then,
“Sitting with Rudy made my day. Seeing my own dog would just break my heart,” said Larry.
when he’s ready for a break, or to go home when he loses focus on the task at hand. “We continue to build Rudy’s con- fidence, one skill after another. Each time we visit, he gains a little more confi- dence. But what it really comes down to is me,” said Kathy. “It always comes down to my end of the leash and sometimes, I realize, it’s me who is making Rudy nervous or uncomfortable. So, we’re working on me too.”
U Y
Suncoast Hospice needs more therapy dog teams. If you're interested, call Alicia Lawler 727.772.4390 or email her at
AliciaLawler@EmpathHealth.org
Pet Peace of Mind is a national program that works with local area hospices to provide extra support for pet owners and their families, including: dog walking, pet waste removal; financial assistance with pet food, professional bathing/grooming, medications, vaccinations and emergency veterinary visits. Call 727.467.7423. To find a Pet Peace of Mind program near you, visit
PetPeaceOfMind.org
THE NEW BARKER 57
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