xendula – Therapy Dog RI https://therapydogri.com Certified therapy dog in Rhode Island Fri, 23 Feb 2024 03:26:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://therapydogri.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-dog-paw-32x32.png xendula – Therapy Dog RI https://therapydogri.com 32 32 Pawsitive Steps Ahead: Ready to Dive into Practical Therapy Dog Training with T! https://therapydogri.com/pawsitive-steps-ahead-ready-to-dive-into-practical-therapy-dog-training-with-t/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 03:26:53 +0000 https://therapydogri.com/?p=1013 For weeks, my head has been buried in books, my voice has gone hoarse from practicing commands, and I’ve become the queen of treat distribution all thanks to one amazing pup: T! Learning the theory of therapy dog training has been fascinating, but let’s be honest, a big part of me is wagging with excitement for the real magic to begin: the practical training sessions!

Just picturing T, with her big brown eyes and even bigger heart, spreading joy and comfort to others fills me with an anticipation that rivals a dog chasing a squirrel in a park. Putting our months of preparation into action, visiting hospitals, schools, or senior centers – imagine the impact we can make together!

Sure, the happy faces and grateful smiles will be incredible, but there’s more to it. The practical training will refine our skills, build our confidence as a team, and solidify the unique bond we share. From mastering advanced obedience to handling distractions, each session will be a step closer to becoming certified therapy dog partners.

It won’t be all smooth sailing, of course. There will be challenges, moments of frustration, and maybe even a few (hopefully gentle) slobbery mishaps. But with every hurdle overcome, our connection will grow deeper, and our ability to bring joy to others will blossom.

So, bring on the practical training! T and I are eager to learn, eager to serve, and eager to make a difference, one tail wag and well-placed lick at a time. Stay tuned for updates on our journey, and I promise to share the heartwarming moments (and maybe a few funny ones too!) along the way. Remember, even the smallest acts of kindness, delivered with a furry friend by your side, can have a lasting impact.

Woof to that, and pawsitive steps ahead!

]]> Paws Up for Spring: Why the End of Winter Means Happiness for Humans and Pets https://therapydogri.com/paws-up-for-spring-why-the-end-of-winter-means-happiness-for-humans-and-pets/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 03:22:28 +0000 https://therapydogri.com/?p=1009 The days are getting longer, the sun is peeping through the clouds more often, and there’s a certain pep in the air that wasn’t there a month ago. Winter’s grip may not be completely loose, but the promise of spring is undeniable, and with it comes a wave of improved mood for both humans and our furry friends. Here’s why we should all be wagging our tails (or smiling widely) at the approaching warmer weather:

For Humans:

  • Goodbye, SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can cast a long shadow over the winter months, but with increased sunlight and vitamin D production, those blues tend to melt away like snowdrifts. Hello, sunshine and happy thoughts!
  • Outdoor adventures beckon: Remember those hikes, picnics, and lazy afternoons in the park that felt like distant dreams just weeks ago? They’re back on the agenda, offering opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and connection with nature, all of which are mood boosters.
  • Social butterflies take flight: Winter’s cold often kept us bundled up indoors, but with spring comes the desire to reconnect with friends and family. Get ready for barbecues, outdoor gatherings, and simply enjoying each other’s company face-to-face.
  • Goodbye, cabin fever: Stuck-at-home boredom and frustration can be a real drag in winter. But with spring, the urge to explore, try new things, and get moving returns, bringing with it a sense of renewal and excitement.

For Pets:

  • Energetic zoomies ahead: Remember those pent-up walks around the block due to snow and ice? Spring means unleashed energy and the joy of long walks, playtime in the park, and chasing squirrels (or butterflies, in the case of cats).
  • Sniffing adventures: The world smells so much more interesting when it’s not covered in snow! Spring brings a symphony of new scents for our furry friends to explore, enriching their walks and mental stimulation.
  • Sunshine naps galore: Who doesn’t love a warm patch of sunshine to bask in? Spring provides ample opportunities for pets to soak up the sun, relax, and recharge their batteries.
  • Socializing with furry friends: Dog parks, doggy playdates, and outdoor adventures with other animals become more accessible with warmer weather. This social interaction is crucial for many pets’ well-being and happiness.

So, as the days grow longer and the air warmer, let’s celebrate the end of winter and all the joys that spring brings. Put on your walking shoes, open the park gates, and get ready for a happier, more vibrant season for both humans and our four-legged companions!

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