we did it!!!

[nic840]

Congratulations to you and Maudie!!
My boy Oscar and I are Delta certified too! It is extremely rewarding and a great experience to share with your animal.

Oscar has been doing it for about 5 years now. He was certified when he was three and we started working at nursing homes and hospitals. We were regulars at Shriners Hospital in Sacramento for a few years until my kids were born...then my volunteer time was put on hold for a while.
We have done school programs, reading programs and senior services. The opportunites and demand are overwhelming!

It is amazing how the seniors and kids just open up to you when they see the dog come in...I have heard so many wonderful stories about history, life and love that I have been truely blessed. I had one gentleman tell me about being a cowboy...this guy was a "true" cowboy. The kids missed their animals and just wanted Oscar (a 90lb lab) to climb into bed with them so they could cuddle. It was great!
I could tell you many wonderful stories but I am sure that you and Maudie make plenty of your own.

Enjoy it and I suggest keeping a journal. I wish I had. I know have a 10-week old lab that I am hoping to get certified in a few years, he is going to make a great therapy dog. Oscar is semi-retired, arthritis and my free time are not on his side.
Oh one recommendation is to get a polaroid camera or something that you can take instant pics with and then get a paw print stamp and sign it from Maudie...they love having a keepsake. Just a suggestion! (if someone is looking for something to get you for christmas its a good one)
Good luck and if you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Here is a picture of Oscar posing for the kids at Shriners school art class. They had to paint a picture of him without using the color black.