Bauer Passed His Test!!!

That's right, Bauer is officially a certified Therapy dog! What is a Therapy dog you might ask? Therapy dogs are dogs that have been trained and passed tests that allow them to go into children s hospitals, retirement homes, special needs schools etc. and visit people who need a little cheering up. Anyone who has even met Bauer knows what a snuggle butt he is, and how much he LOVES people and kids. This is the perfect opportunity for me to combine two of my loves, children and dogs, and I can't wait to see those kids faces light up when they see him come in their room. If nothing else I am just hoping that we can take all of their worries and stresses that come from being in a hospital bed away even if just for a little while.

His test was this morning, and I have to say I think I was way more nervous then he was, because he soared through it with flying colors. There are about 25 temperament/behavioral tests dogs have to pass to certify, and Bauer scored the highest you can score on all of them but 1... he gets a little nervous when people try to stick there hands in his mouth (doesn't bite or anything, just pulls away), teeth brushing is the worst part of his week.

After the test we met with one of the program directors of UAATA and she thinks Bauer is perfect for Primary Children's hospital. Since Primary's is such a secure and confidential hospital I do have to go through some more training with them and they will have to do some background checks and I'll have sign a load of confidentiality forms, but they said within a month or two we should be able to start. How cool is that!


And this is him after the test... sleeping of course!