Teddi’s Story

Teddi is a Golden Retriever who was born on June 5, 2019, and was destined to change my life, the way only a few dogs will do. She was my post-disaster search-and-rescue dog, following my 10-year career as a  FEMA certified Canine Search Specialist. 

When I decided to hang up my helmet, kneepads, and the ambivalence that accompanies the knowledge that the reason for a deployment with my canine partner rested on a terrible event like a tornado, hurricane, explosion, or wild fire, I contacted a friend of a friend and informed her that I was not looking for a working dog, but for a dog who would be my loyal companion and snuggle buddy.  

Like all my dogs, Teddi was enrolled in an obedience class, a weekly swim class, and exposure to children and adults with disabilities.  One of my biggest challenges was to achieve a balance between her temperament and my lack of knowledge of the less rigorous demands of Search and Rescue.  So, we were both learning how to be with each other at the same time.  She was 18 months old, so still a puppy on her way to adulthood.

After I researched the world of pet therapy (or sometimes known as animal-assisted therapy), I contacted Faithful Paws Pet Therapy of Houston.  She already had her American Kennel Club certification as a Canine Good Citizen which was a requirement for applying for membership.  We began visiting nursing homes, schools, libraries, and special events.  It became clear to me when she visited a Continuing Care Hospital that this was her passion, and it became mine.  There was nothing more rewarding than watching her lean into staff, family members, and patients.  When I say she leaned in, I mean she would get as close as possible, even sometimes on a bed and settle in.

People often ask me how I trained her to be the therapy dog she is today.  I was fortunate enough to find the right dog, a dog who grew into her destiny.  The more experiences she had, the better she became at knowing who needed the unconditional love and attention that she was generous enough to provide.  When I bring out her official Therapy Dog vest, she prances to get it on her back.  When she goes to her weekly hospital visit, she puts her leash in her mouth and when directed, she runs to her favorite staff member.  There are people who schedule their infusions around the time she will be there.  The Intensive Care nurses provide an all-call to other staff members that “the dogs are here!”  During library visits, she lets children read to her, touch her tail, and give her kisses.  She is loved.  

I was blessed to give Teddi the life that she was born to live.  Every time, every place, she is showered with love.  It has become a calling for me.  For those people who wonder if this could be an option to explore, I would tell them to select a dog whose temperament is sweet, calm, and biddable.  Do not force a dog to do this work.  If a dog shows signs of anxiety, like urinating, defecating, or shutting down, pay attention to what the dog is trying to tell you.  Realize your own limitations.  If you have lost a loved one to cancer or a long-term illness, hospital visits may not be the best choice for you and your pup. This is a team endeavor.  It is rare that we visit without other dogs.  Do not burn your dog or yourself out.  When people offer to buy your dog or take her home, be gracious in your refusal.  Always remember that pet therapy is about the connection between you and your dog, and then the connection your dog establishes with others.  It is heart work.