Tehachapi News

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Pumpkin, a registered Standard Poodle will soon be known as a “Therapy Dog,” sponsored by the Tehachapi Valley United Methodist Church.

Pumpkin and her owner Ken Knapp have completed 16 weeks of Intermediate Education, sponsored by the PETsMART Pet Training Program. They will go for the Canine Good Citizen Test at the end of March. Then they will be ready to visit in the hospital, nursing homes and the homes of shut-ins, where a visit from a dog may bring pleasure to those visited.

Pumpkin, who's registered name is Pond's Pride Pumpkin Spice, was born September 28, 2003. She was used for breeding purposes by her former owner before being retired and given to Ken. She has been vaccinated and given all her shots. Standard Poodles are allergenic, don't shed, are smart and love people.
Therapy Dogs International, Inc. “A Dog Will Love You Forever” has a long history.
The bond between man and dog dates back to early history, but only recently has medical science discovered the correlation between dogs and the emotional health of humans. Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal will cause a lowering of blood pressure, the release of strain and tension, and can draw out a person from loneliness and depression.

Elaine Smith founded Therapy Dogs International, Inc in 1976. As a registered nurse working in England, Smith observed the benefits of pets interacting with patients. She noticed how the patients reacted to the daily visits of the chaplain and his companion, a Golden Retriever. After returning to the United States, Smith brought the concept of pet therapy to health care facilities. TDI was formed so that dogs could be certified, insured and registered as volunteer Therapy Dogs.

Since the term “Therapy Dog” has become a household word, confusion has arisen concerning these rights. Different organizations have been created, and some have copied Smith's ideas and used the term “Therapy Dog” even “TDI.”

Currently all dogs which are registered with TDI provide emotional service only. TDI dogs do not have the same rights and skills as assistance dogs, which at times are also referred to as Therapy Dogs. The dogs used for therapy work vary in size and type. They may not all be “pure-bred” but they all have a love of people.

Service dogs are trained to give direct assistance to the disabled allowing their owners to function independently and are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which gives them public access rights.

As of 2006 there were over 15,000 dogs and 13,000 handlers registered with TDI with volunteer dogs in all 50 states as well as Canada.

Visitations by therapy dogs are strictly voluntary. No charge is made to the institution or individual for whom this service is performed, nor is any monetary reimbursement provided to volunteers.

Pumpkin has already been visiting at the church, at friends and neighbors as she adjusts to her new role in life.