Volunteer Voices

Julia LaLuzerne and her therapy dog Belmar.

Imagine yourself sitting in a room day after day with little interaction from anyone except those caring for you. Think about how long a day must be and how you must miss the “little things” about living independently. Now imagine a new friend walking in the door for a visit along with her dog, maybe a dog like you used to have growing up.

From the very first moment that Julie LaLuzerne saw a police dog “in action,” she knew that someday she’d be involved with the work of dogs raised specifically to help others.

“I wanted the fun part of raising a therapy dog—the part that makes you feel good about making that special connection and being there to see it happen,” Julie reflected. “I went through the Volunteer Center website (VolunteerDoorCounty.com) and saw that there was an opportunity for a therapy dog but found out that dogs needed to be “therapy trained.” “I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do.”

So, Belmar, Julie’s 15-month-old Fox Red Labrador, began his “Good Citizen” training here in Door County so he could begin his path to becoming a therapy dog. Their next step was to travel to Appleton and Green Bay to do numerous training sessions and observations.

“When the therapy dog observer does his/her evaluation, they’re watching the dog’s reactions to medical equipment, distractions and people with infirmities,” stated Julie.

Nine months later, at the age of two, Belmar received his pet therapy certification and now visits with residents at one of the local assisted living facilities. “I had no idea how much of a need there is in Door County for this type of therapy. I think about what it must mean to people when they see Belmar and me walk in the door. A dog never judges you or cares if you’re in a wheelchair. A dog is just genuinely happy to see you,” says Julie.

Realistically, pet therapy training is not for the faint of heart. “You’ve got to be prepared for the time commitment, not only because of the training, but because of the travel involved as well. It’s also hard seeing your dog stressed out because the training is like circuit overload for them. They sense how much people want to be with them, but really, Belmar was mentally exhausted when he got into the car after his evaluations.”

As of today, there’s no one who does this certification training in Door County, yet. That certainly is something that Julie might consider down the road.

As for now, Belmar and Julie have found their niche. “When we go to visit our companion, it makes her feel so good! When the three of us spend time together, it’s really not work at all. We just feel so good about finding our purpose and finding our match. If we could, we’d do this full time!” laughed Julie.

This is what volunteering is ultimately about…realizing your passion and then finding your purpose. Do that, and you’ll find out why volunteers are always so happy and content; they love what they’re doing and they know that they are making a difference. Thank you Julie and Belmar for being the difference in the lives of those you touch, and lick!

For volunteer opportunities throughout Door County, contact the Volunteer Center at 746.7704 or [email protected].