Therapy Work

This is one of my favorite parts of our program. First, we want to thank Countryside Living for believing in us years ago. I remember when I first started calling assisted living facilities and asked them if I could bring a litter of 6 week old puppies to meet their residents. Left and right I was told no. Then I spoke to Trish at Countryside Living. She has become a personal friend after working with her for so many years. She did not hesitate for a second, she said bring your puppies in and I will evaluate them, if they pass my evaluation we will have you work on the assisted living side first. Now we have access to the assisted living and memory care facility. Now the brightest part of my week is when I get to see Trish and all the men and women I have learned to know and love over the years. The residents will also tell you that Puppy Days are their favorite days of the week. Trust, me they remember if I have to miss a day!

Why do we take them to Countryside? What are our training goals?

We take them to Countryside so that they can learn to be gentle, quiet, calm, patient, sweet, hilarious, and cuddly. We also teach them to NEVER put their teeth on human skin. We do not rough house with the puppies ever. We do not allow them to mouth us at all. We do not allow their teeth to touch anyone's skin. We also teach them how to handle ears, tails, and legs dangled and pulled. We teach them that loud noises, medical devices, loud residents, and loud animals are not something to be afraid of, they are a normal part of life. We teach them how to walk on leash into and out of the facility. In the facility there is different flooring with different colors and textures almost every corner you turn. This teaches them to be brave and try new things. It teaches them that LIFE is not scary at all. It is actually safe, fun, and inviting, maybe uncomfortable at times but they always feel loved and safe.

Our training goals change with each visit. It helps me evaluate a clear service candidate and therapy candidates. It helps me see their real world reactions to being uncomfortable. It helps me understand each puppy at a much deeper level. This helps me so I can match the individual puppy and their needs to the correct family that has the same needs as the puppy. We aren't there to provide smiles, or heal anyone, we are there to prepare the puppies for their forever journeys, the smiles and healing is just an incredible bonus!

Please enjoy our 2024 professional photos at Countryside! We have 2026 professional photos coming in October of 2026! Stay tuned....