AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – You might keep in mind Tater the Jack Russell from Evans understood for lumber browsing at a regional Lowe’s and engaging with consumers and staff.
He likewise works as a treatment dog, serving in programs like Augusta University’s Furry Friends with a number of other regional animals.
For Joe Hurt and Tater, journeys to their preferred store became something more.
“I realized he was a therapy dog while at Lowe’s. We would go for social visits, just hang out with customers for a couple of hours and employees and not buy a thing,” said Hunt.
While there, he satisfied somebody with a genuine licensed treatment dog and he understood Tater might do that too.
“He just became obvious with the way he interacted with people, especially children that he was a therapy dog,” said Hurt. “He and I both enjoy it and it is more rewarding than I ever dreamed.”
They deal with other furry buddies like Denali Blue, a cockapoo.
Daniel Bernhardt, Denali’s handler, said: “She’s got the right temperament for something like this. She’s very friendly, very easygoing, and follows instructions really well.”
Bella Grace, a golden retriever with flowers in her hair and love in her heart, is likewise in the program.
Connie Brooker, Bella’s handler, said: “She loves people!”
And Brooker said the sensation is shared.
“It just makes them so happy. It makes their day, they cry tears of joy. It’s just wonderful to be able to be there for that few minutes to make their day,” said Brooker.
Bernhardt said: “It’s just really a fulfilling type of event and we see everybody from young children to older adults.”
The dogs are supplying convenience to clients and staff in medical facilities through programs like Augusta University’s Furry Friends, which was produced to make difficult medical facility stays and shifts much easier, according to Shayna Crawford, the volunteer engagement organizer at Augusta University.
“People don’t realize that pet therapy has been researched to lessen anxiety, lessen stress, and sort of get them through that moment,” said Crawford.
They bring smiles to retirement community also.
Bernhardt said: “They like dogs to come in to try to trigger memories and their reactions and that kind of stuff. Some people will cry when they see a dog and others are just glad to see them.”
The possibilities are unlimited for these pups.
“There’s definitely a lot of opportunities in this area. A lot of people like to have therapy dogs visit,” said Bernhardt.
For their owners, the smiles are unlimited too.
“We just get a lot of joy out of doing it and we’ve had a lot of opportunities pop up,” said Bernhardt.
Brooker said: “I probably get more joy and love and heart fulfillment from just seeing people’s faces loving on my dog, and getting all that joy.”
Hurt said: “I had no idea what a reward it would be for me, for him, for the people we see. It’s a win, win, win all the way around.”
Bernhardt said any dog that is well-tempered might end up being a treatment dog through the nationwide organization Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Information about how to sign up with can be discovered on their website.
The Augusta Furry Friends Team is likewise trying to find more individuals to join them. Information about the organization can be discovered on the Augusta University website.
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