New Class of Dogs Graduates from Therapy Dog Training Program

Cooper

On Nov. 14, a new class of nine dogs graduated from the Door County Humane Society’s Therapy Dog Training Program. This program takes dogs with basic obedience skills and trains them to provide affection and comfort to people in nursing homes, hospitals, retirement homes, detention centers and other places where a friendly dog’s presence can improve the day of the people they visit.

Since the start of the program in 2015, 31 dog and owner duos graduated from the class and became certified.

“It is remarkable to witness the growth these dogs and owners make over the course of the class. A great highlight of this particular class was seeing one of DCHS’s former residents participate in the program. Ten years ago Cooper was adopted from DCHS when he was one year old. At the mature age of eleven-and-a-half, Cooper and his owner Ann Schartner graduated from the class. This demonstrates that a dog of any age, breed or background has the ability to flourish and do great things in this program,” said Kennel Coordinator Rachel Asher.

The DCHS has announced their next Therapy Dog Training Class will be held in the early summer of 2017.

The cost is $50 for the three sessions with an additional charge for certification testing and registration to TDI®. Class size is limited to 10 dogs, so early registration is recommended. To register, call Asher at 920.746.1111.