You Go Get’em, Team! Part Two

When Beth and Dugan began training for Pet Partners, Beth attended four months of class work before Dugan could join her. She learned to recognize different stresses in dogs, what things in hospitals could make him sick, and reviewed basic obedience commands. Once Dugan joined her, they started working on skills and aptitudes both of them would need to master for visiting hospital patients. Although the final tests were difficult, they aced all but one section the first time.

Neutral Dog was Dugan’s downfall. Dugan and Beth are at one end of a room when a “neutral” dog magically appears. They are to meet another therapy team half way across the room, stop, shake hands with each other, and continue to cross the room. The entire time, Dugan cannot acknowledge the “neutral” dog. He cannot even cross Beth to sniff or greet the other dog. Being an Aussie, this was a tough order. You just gotta check out that new guy!

Beth and Dugan joined a ‘study group’ with other participants for extra training and homework. And did it pay off! He passed Neutral Dog on his second try. In all, it took them one and a half years of hard work and training to become a Pet Partner – and was well worth it! In addition to Pet Partners, Dugan successfully passed his Delta Society exams as well.

Beth and Dugan truly enjoy their volunteering, and how fantastic to volunteer in their community together. Dugan’s a working dog, after all and visiting gives him a job he clearly loves. Although they both give so much to the people they meet at the hospital, hospital visiting leaves both of them deeply satisfied and fulfilled. It’s like a great hug, but even better!

A visit starts the night before – with a bath! For all his grace and easygoing nature, Dugan is one big nervous Nellie when baths are involved. Once that’s over (whew!), out comes his gear, a blue hospital Pet Partners vest. Beth lovingly brushes him and gives him the ‘once over.’ The next day, as they are preparing to leave for the hospital, Dugan starts getting excited about going to work – all smiles and butt wiggles! For all this anticipation and excitement, once he gets in his groove at work, Dugan sometimes sleeps on the job.

Being exceptionally well behaved and enticingly adorable for two whole hours can really take it out of a guy. Since he’s an active dog, the first floor of the hospital, their assignment, works out quite well. They move around from the Main Lobby to several different surgery waiting areas. Dugan has never actually visited a patient in a hospital room. He’s a big dog and the rooms are usually small and filled with delicate equipment. And although he loves kids, no openings have arisen for the pediatrics unit since Dugan started visiting.

Visiting can be emotional for both Beth and the people they visit. Dugan’s presence calms people when they need it most. Beth and Dugan often witness tears of compassion and relief from stressed and worried patients, friends, and families. “This is just what I needed,” Beth hears over and over. Dugan freely gives his love and affection to everyone he meets, giving them a special, unconditional avenue of communication and compassion. Sometimes their reward is seeing people just relax and allowing the tears to flow freely. Words are not always necessary.

When his shift is over, Dugan, like many hard workers, gets to let off some steam. They head home, tired and fulfilled, but Beth makes sure he gets a good silly crazy play session out on the lawn when they get home. Watch out, squirrels!

Recently, Beth took him to the elementary school where she works. Since he is also Delta certified, he got to wear his green Delta vest for the first time. He met and showed a homework club of about 25 students what therapy dogs are all about. Beth read “Rosie the Therapy Dog” to the curious and excited class; a dog – at school! Afterward, the kids got to meet Dugan and give him treats. They were absolutely fascinated by him. Not only did Dugan get to show off, he was also on duty as a professional therapy dog. As far as the kids were concerned, this was a real ‘movie star’!

Dugan and Beth are truly real stars. They bring incredible joy and compassion into people’s lives and hearts just when they need it most. You go get’em, Team!