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Post by Aussienot on Mar 19, 2005 17:37:12 GMT -5
My last two weeks has gone into assessment and training for new Delta volunteers. Last Saturday was the Assessment day. We had 29 dogs try out and 19 passed (5 were two year re-assessments, 14 were new aspiring volunteers).
11 of the passing dogs were yellow - Goldens and Labs. There was an Irish Setter that got through, and a mixed breed bull terrier type. A beautiful black Giant Schnauzer, Oberon, had been judged "not ready" the last time he was assessed got through this time. His owner had worked very hard with him and he was flawless. There was quite a bit of cheering when Obe got passed. I was very happy to see some 'dogs of color' get through.
Yesterday was handler training, and everyone passed, so tomorrow I will match them up with waiting medical facilities. Most of the dog-handler teams will be going to nursing homes or dementia day care centers, but the Irish and one of the Labs are earmarked for hospital work after their internship, and I'd like to place one of the large Goldens into a home for young adults with acquired spine injury paralysis. I think the owner is up to it.
It has made for a couple of long weekendless weeks for me, but I'm feeling pretty good about it.
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Post by Brooke on Mar 20, 2005 11:16:38 GMT -5
How could you not feel good about it! ;D You are one amazing person with a lot of talent. I hope you get some time to yourself this weekend. Have a beer, heck have two!
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Post by Laura on Mar 20, 2005 15:45:28 GMT -5
Really, testing 29 dogs is an accomplishment, kick back and have a cold one ;D! And I know what you mean about the "dogs of color", I wish there were less of a propensity to judge them on the color of their fur. Black dogs are the first the be euthe'd in this country, last to be picked out for adoption, and it makes me sad.
Was the Schnauzer named after the actress by any chance ;D?
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Post by Aussienot on Mar 20, 2005 15:57:13 GMT -5
Maybe, I'll ask, but I think more likely named after the nearby town of Oberon.
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Post by sibemom on Mar 21, 2005 4:53:45 GMT -5
Linda that is wonderful. Just to let you know I have not given up on Willow going into therapy work. With the wonderful progress she has been making every single day it is time to get out the Delta Society training plan and use that as our goal. Here we have several evaluators who are very helpful. The closet one is Madison WI. I have also been encouraging a few people over at the kennel club to consider this with their dogs. Hopefully by spring there will be a group of us who can join the Pet Partners Team I am so glad you are doing this and you must feel good about it. They could not have anyone better
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Post by Richard on Mar 21, 2005 8:06:24 GMT -5
That is great news.
I think it's pretty apparent Linda you made a good choice in career moves...a lot of people are going to be benifitting from your knowledge and skills now....
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