"There is no therapy in the world like a dog licking your face."

  

  Why be a Therapy Dog Volunteer? Contact with animals is very important to many people, especially those who find themselves in a setting where they are out of touch with a pet they may have had to leave at home.  

                              

 

 

Our mission is to help people by sharing smiles...

and lifting spirits.

 

  Who is eligible to join? We accept well-mannered dogs of any size or breed except Wolf-hybrids & Coyote-hybrids.  We do not provide obedience training for dogs.  We take appropriately behaved dogs and help the dog/handler team interact in various facility settings.

                  

 

In order to be considered for our program, your dog must be:

at least 1 year of age

reasonably calm

 obey you amidst distractions

  at ease being handled by strangers

  get along with other dogs

  be healthy and current on all vaccinations

 

 

 

Our Process:  

1) Come and watch a visit! See what we are all about! This will give you an idea as to what we expect of our dogs and handlers before starting the program.

2) You and your dog must pass a simple temperament/behavior test to show that your dog can walk on a loose leash, can be handled by strangers, and can get along with other dogs. We do need proof from a veterinarian that your dog is current on vaccinations, and has had both a physical exam and an annual fecal exam, before he/she can be tested.

3) After passing the basic temperament test, you and your dog will go on at least three (3) visits in facilities with a Therapy Dogs Inc. tester/observer.

4) After successfully completing these observed visits, you will be eligible to register as a therapy dog team with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. More information about Therapy Dogs Incorporated can be found at www.therapydogs.com

 

 

 

What People are Saying About Our Volunteers: 

 'At Richardson Regional, our therapy dogs generate smiles! When someone comes down the hall, whether a patient, visitor or staff member, they see our therapy dogs and the biggest smile spreads across their face. I don't know of another service in the hospital that can generate smiles like our therapy dogs!'

Heather Rojas, Director of Volunteer Services, Richardson Regional Medical Center

'Since the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs joined Camp C.A.R.E. at UT Dallas they have been a "hit" with the kids. At the beginning of Camp, the dogs are waiting outside to greet the campers. The dogs provide unconditional love and attention to a group of very special children. The dogs provide reinforcement for good speech, and the campers provide the dogs with treats when they produce their good speech, so it is a real win-win for everyone involved. All of the handlers and dogs are aware of the children's needs, and compliment our speech therapy program.

Thank you to all of the dogs and handlers that have worked with Camp C.A.R.E.'

Dianne M. Altuna, M.S./CCC-SLP, Camp C.A.R.E., University of Texas at Dallas

'The therapy dogs have been a great joy to our residents at Mustang Creek Estates. They enjoy the visits so much. Most of our residents are animal lovers and they look forward to the dogs coming. They speak of the visits often. I also want to mention how much you are appreciated for bringing the dogs over to Mustang Creek and thanks for being so kind. Heart of Texas is awesome!'

Ronda Abernathy, Activity Director, Mustang Creek Estates - Allen, TX

'Smiles appear on the resident’s faces and their eyes light up when they see the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs group come into the facility. Once a month, they come to visit some of our residents at Collin Oaks Assisted Living facility in Plano, Texas. Their visits are therapeutic and encouraging to our elderly and they enjoy their visits immensely.

Muscle tone of the residents is strengthened as they reach to pet the dog’s beautifully groomed coats; increased sensory stimulation is helped as they love on each dog. I was informed that the group has to pass strict guidelines on behavior, grooming and temperaments of their pets to be counted worthy to be a part of the Heart of Texas group.

I met Barbara Wilson about 2 ½ years ago at a prior facility and was so impressed with the quality of owners and animals, I wanted her to coordinate a group to visit at Collin Oaks where I became the Activity Director about a year ago. I’ve been so pleased with their professionalism and love and care for each resident when they come to visit. Their pets are lovely and well-behaved. I have another duty to perform when they arrive and I have full confidence in letting them go their own way without supervision. I will always owe a great debt of gratitude for all their faithful visits that bring joy to all of our elderly resident’s hearts.'

Ginny Rodriguez, Activity Director, Collin Oaks Assisted Living - Plano, TX

'I have worked in nursing homes, assisted living and independent living a total of 10 plus years. The number one activity is having the therapy dogs come to visit the residents. It is something that is out of the norm for them. The residents feel they have something that they can love, and the dogs give unconditional love back to the residents. It also gives the residents a chance to reminisce about when they had a dog at their home.'

Vicki McBain, Activity Director, The Wellington at Arapaho - Richardson, TX

'The therapy dog visits are so emotionally rewarding, both for the residents and the staff. I love dogs and look forward to seeing them every Saturday. So many of our residents have left pets behind, and we encourage the families to bring them for visits. You can see the

delight in the faces of our residents when the therapy dogs come.

They laugh and love on them, and that's the best medicine in the world.'

Annette Hicks, Weekend Activities Director, Arden Courts - Richardson, TX

'Heart of Texas Therapy dogs is a program we are very fortunate to work with. Many of the kids that live in our shelter have unfortunately had to leave pets behind, and miss them very much. The therapy dogs give our kids a chance to fill the void of the pet left behind. Also, the therapy dogs allow our kids to learn how to care for, love, and trust animals. The kids really look forward to the dogs coming out each month! You guys are fabulous!'

Delana Baker, LBSW, Children's Program Director, Genesis Women's Shelter

'Our residents look forward to the visits. These dear pets bring back fond memories to our seniors and the unconditional love that they give is a true blessing.'

Connie Hooper, Activity Director, Appletree Court Assisted Living

If you are interested in joining Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs, please click link below:

Iwannatestmydog

 

 

As members of Therapy Dogs Inc. we observe all membership guidelines and practices.

Please visit the Therapy Dogs Inc. website for more information.