Friday, hubby and I had our checkups at the doctor. Since I'm disabled, we go together. And Worthy comes to help me. He has been getting over SLO, and I've been taking him for walks on concrete that have gone well. So I was confident that his nails were up to it.
He did GREAT! He makes so much difference for me. The doctor has a therapy dog--not at the doctor's office, but for visits to the hospital. He also has my book. He does exactly what anyone should do when encountering someone with an assistance/service dog--just tends to his work and doesn't reach out to the dog or otherwise distract him. He likes Worthy, but he knows what to do.
I notice most of the people who come to the house to do various services do the same. They talk to me, and they may compliment Worthy to me, but they do not interact with him. That is very smart.
When I'm out in public with him, sometimes people ask to pet him. I tell him "Worthy, Go Say 'Hi'" and then interaction is fine. When it's done, I redirect his attention back to me. Because he is a big, black dog, people ASK and don't just reach out and pet him. That is exactly what I need.
God is good to give me Worthy!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
