Zippy is my five-year-old whippet. Over our years together I have tried for us to be a successful team at “something”! We have tried surfing, paddle boarding, cycling, and even working in Church together! These efforts, and others, I admit have met with limited (to no) success. I even tried to promote Zippy as a “Wonder Dog” at Mary Help of Christians Primary School Fete a few years back. In the words of one young child, “He’s really not very good, is he?”
And then “Therapy Dogs Australia” came to our rescue. They provide therapy dog and handler training designed for those interested in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy. A Therapy Dog is a dog which has been trained with it’s handler (usually the owner), to provide therapeutic intervention to another person in the community (e.g., allied health client, school student, nursing home resident).
And guess what? Zippy and I completed the course and passed the assessment!!! Zippy the Whippet now has a qualification: Zippy (Td.A) Finally, a successful team!!!
We look forward to meeting residents of Marian Grove, Mater Christi and Villa Maria in our new role as a Therapy Dog Team.
God Bless
Fr Michael and Zippy