CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When Tucker was simply a puppy, his future human was having a bumpy ride. It was the middle of a worldwide pandemic, and many individuals were relying on recently embraced family pets for convenience.
“Tucker is a COVID dog,” shared Dr. Theresa Cowan, WVU School of Nursing Charleston Campus Chair. “I needed him to maintain my sanity. He is also the first dog I have had without children and afterschool activities.”
Cowan embraced the basic poodle when he was simply 8 weeks old. Now, at age 2, Tucker is broadening his capability to convenience by ending up being a treatment dog.
“My niece is an elementary school principal and she had mentioned how well struggling students responded to having a dog sit with them,” Cowan said. “Tucker has a natural calmness about him, and we were in weekly dog school needing an aim.”
With the time to commit to training, Cowan and Tucker chose to concentrate on obedience and techniques at his school. Since start, Tucker has actually made 12 AKC accreditations for all obedience levels and techniques to the level of elite entertainer. In addition to basic techniques, such as shake hands, Tucker can carry out innovative techniques, like leaping through hula hoops and addressing yes or no concerns with a head shake.
“Most impressive is his ability to read three words in English and in Spanish. He knows ‘sit,’ ‘wave’ and ‘touch.’ I guess that makes him bilingual,” Cowan said with a laugh.
The 2 have actually just recently begun checking out grade schools to help youngers in requirement of some puppy love. They intend to quickly check out health care centers also.
“I have worked with him on laying his head in your lap for pets, which is helpful with wheelchairs or persons in chairs. He also has no shyness around walkers or canes.”
The venture is simply starting and Cowan is already seeing the benefits of dealing with a treatment dog.
“Seeing how people enjoy his visits has been a great experience,” she said. “We plan to add certifications to his resume, which will give him a diverse background for the work.”
-WVU-
CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; [email protected]
