Therapy Dog Heroes

Children's Literature - Carlee Hallman

Tuxedo is the Portuguese water dog who belongs to fourteen-year-old Melanie. She and her mom took Tuxedo to special classes for therapy dogs. Then Melanie took Tuxedo to assisted-living centers where people enjoyed seeing and patting a dog. Using dogs in therapy has some interesting history. In 1919 dogs were used in St. Elizabeth's Hospital with mental patients. In 1976 Elaine Smith founded a therapy dog organization in the United States. Nursing homes began to welcome dogs instead of excluding them. Dogs must get used to being with people in wheelchairs and with walkers. Dogs train with their handlers and the team has to pass a test. In assisted living the handler checks to see who would like a dog to visit. A small dog may sit on someone's lap on a towel to keep the dog's hair off clothing. People respond to therapy dogs and tell of dogs they have known. Stunning photographs add to the text. This is one title in the "Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane" series. There is a glossary, index, and lists for further reading and Internet addresses. Kids may want to make a report on these dogs. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman