MEET PUGSLEY!
Therapy Dogs United is proud to announce that team training is underway for its second Companion Dog (Emotional Support dog) for permanent placement in a group or special needs home. In February 2010, "Pugsley" - an 8 week old male Pug pug was donated to TDU by breeder 
Edward Hinkel of Harrisburg, PA, with the promise he would be raised and trained for permanent placement in a group home for individuals with special needs or circumstance. Pugsley is now a part of TDU's new Puppy Raiser Partnership with Cornell Abraxas in Marienville, PA. For the next 12-to-14 months, Abraxas clients places in the center's "Intensive Open Residential Program", TDU and Abraxas staff, as well as community volunteers will teach Pugsley basic obedience, manners and provide socialization to get him ready to embark on his new career. "For the Abraxas kids, its a unique way to roll compassion, consistency and dicipline into a fun and meaningful program that will give back for year's to come," said Pat Van Zandt Christianson, Executive Director of Therapy Dogs United, Inc. So far, the program truly is a win for both agencies. "What this puppy has done for our clients so far is teach them responsibility and caring. Our clients look forward to waking up and working with Pugsley from the minute their feet hit the floor," says David Fitch, Abraxas I Workforce Coordinator. In about 6 months, TDU will begin taking applications for facilities interested in being chosen as Pugsley's forever home.
There is a science and study behind the success and importance of emotional support dogs. These dogs can inspire change. Studies show that seniors living in long-term nursing or an assisted-living center respond more positively and enthusiastically when a canine is involved in daily or repetitive activities. Plus, support dogs help folks to get up and move. They not only make exercise more interesting and enjoyable, but help attention away from activities deemed undesirable or capable of producing pain. For Seniors, at-risk youth or the physically disabled, a Companion Dog can really make a difference. They are used to motivate, inspire, and improve social interaction and communication. Among Pugsley's many jobs, he will help encourage the residents to act more freely in their own environment and with the other residents. When places in his forever home, Pugsley will be expected to serve as a loyal and constant companion to the residents and staff. His calm, gentle temperament will be key to success. When he finally finds his permanent home, he will be under the care and management of a trained and certified Sunrise professional staff member.
For now, Pugsley lives and trains with eight Abraxas students. Among their many important jobs, the students are expected to socialize the pup and reinforce positive behaviors. Abraxas staff will also take Pugsley to other facilities for training - including schools, nursing homes, skilled living centers, rehab facilities, pet stores, parks, and book stores.
Mark this page - and watch Pugsley grow! We will post continual updates on her road to become a certified Companion Dog!
If you want Email updates on his progress, sign up now!
