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It is a goal of Therapy Dogs Inc. to provide registration, support, and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.

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Member of the Family – Skylar at Banner Health Nursing Home

by Peggy L. Bahus

“Let me tell you about my dog!” How many times have you heard somebody say that? Well, here comes one more.

Skylar is a 12 year-old English Springer Spaniel who came to live with us in Livermore, CO in 2001.

We moved to Wheatland in October 2005 and I began working at the area Banner Health Hospital in the spring of 2006. That is when I saw “Pet Therapy Day” listed on the nursing home calendar. I inquired and found that a class for training a dog to become a therapy dog was held right here in Wheatland. So after a few months of observation and training, Skylar got his new title, Therapy Dog.

We have been visiting Platte County Nursing Home every month since July 2006. On Fridays, my day off, Skylar and I are scheduled to visit there by the activities director Amanda Palmer.

Skylar really looks forward to his visits. The residents have come to know him well, and they hear his story from me when they ask questions. But mostly, the visits are about them and the stories they tell us about the dogs they’ve had during their lifetime here in Wheatland, or at a nearby ranch. It’s wonderful to see their faces light up when we enter their rooms. One gentleman said to me that Skylar is part of the family. What a great compliment! Many residents put their hands on his leash so they can just hold it for a while. One lady closed her eyes while holding onto the leash and drifted off to sleep sitting in her wheelchair in the sunlight…just thinking of days gone by.

One day, we were about to leave when one gentleman came up in his wheelchair to see Skylar. Another gentleman came in from outside in his wheelchair and stopped, facing the other. Both of them were talking to Skylar, who laid down to listen to each of them. I just sat down on the floor by him to listen and wait till they were happy with the moment and ready for us to leave that day.

These are memories that will always be close to my heart. I chose to have Skylar become a therapy dog because he deserves to be doing this. He has had a rough life before he came to live with us, and this is one more way that I can make his life the best it can be, now that he is retired himself. The residents always ask how old he is, and when I tell them that he is 12 years old, they say, “He’s old too! Just like me!” And they chuckle when I say he is retired. They have a lot in common, and they feel very connected and close to him.