Fraizer – collie x

[fayres]

Hi Alex, great to hear how Fraizer is getting on- I remember this guy well He was so laid back and settled when I called to you that I knew you’d all get on great. He would indeed make a brilliant therapy dog, and I look forward to hearing more about how you both get on with your training. Collies are so intelligent and intuitive that it’s a joy to train them. Thank you so much for taking him into your family – you’re really one in a million. Best of luck. Fidelma

[jenbear]

What does being a therapy dog involve? It sounds really interesting and I’d love to know more.

I know since we got our little pup Ollie (PJ) three weeks ago I can feel the stress melting away everytime I’m around him, the best therapy I’ve ever had.

[Robyn]

Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners into hospitals, nursing homes, etc to spend some time with patients, just basically giving some affection and love. As we all know the affection you get from a dog is out of this world and completely different to that from a human and just being around pets has such a calming, uplifting effect. It has been found to greatly improve the spirits of people who may be in long term-care in hospitals/homes, children with learning disabilities, etc, people who may feel slightly isolated because of their circumstances. The Guide Dogs of Ireland train assistance dogs to work with families of children with autism to encourage the child in his/her social interaction. Dogs doing what they do best, a very worthy cause.

[Roverdil]

Peata also do this where you can go into hospitals/nursing homes etc with your dog so that patients who maybe are missing their own dogs can spend some time with them. I did this with my dog before (he was a lovely calm and sweet bichon frise). You have to pass an assessment with them to make sure the dog is calm and that you can control them. I used to go to an alzheimers centre with my guy and I have to say it was the most rewarding experience. The patients loved it and you could see the effect it had on them and the dog loved it too because he was getting loads of attention.

I would definitely do it again if I had a nice calm dog (my one now would just terrorise them ).
Well done on planning to do it with Fraizer…hope it works out

[whiteewolf]

i tried to contact peata but they never replied..
so i contacted Irish therapy dogs who are a sister organization and they sent me out the forms. I’m planning to do a little more obedience with him then go for the assessment…

[Debbi-Jayne]

I am so pleased this guy is doing so well. I remember him on here and was quite smitten!! I am thrilled about you thinking of him becoming some sort of therapy dog – I used to take two of my previous dogs into a care home and also a special school and it was so very rewarding. Good luck with it all and do keep us posted. Thank you for giving Fraizer a home and a new chance in life.

[Cathy]

Fraizer looks fabulous.. was so happy when he found a home and it’s great to hear that he is doing so well

[whiteewolf]

it occured to me that maybe i should update- ever if no one is interested. Frazier is doing very well lively and bouncy as always, he had a haircut recently and accourding to my dog grooming teacher "he has the best coat shes ever seen in a collie"….
my whole family now absolutly love him and we are so happy we adopted him… he loves a challenge, he knows alot of tricks, i try to bring him up the mountians and walk him with my friends dogs(who he likes) mental stimulation you know
ideally i would love to be able to foster more dogs and help out.. but frazier unfortunatly isnt great with every dog and doesnt really know how to play with them…. once i get all my dog grooming kit together and finish the course i was thinking maybe i could do some grooming for DID, free of course…
i cant really think of anything else you guys might wanna know… but ask away of theres anything…
oh ill post more pictures later…
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[fayres]

Alex, he is just gorgeous A fabulous looking collie – and look at that coat

[jdogs2010]

he really is a great looking dog

[whiteewolf]

Just a little update i thought people might like, to keep spirits up.
Myself and frazier are now working with Irish therepy dogs in a nursing home and he is very good at his new job !
i will put up a pic of him in his uniform if anyones interested!

[kaydoyle]

Looking forward to photos

[dogsrule]

When we were in town on Saturday, raising awareness for Dogs in Distress, I saw Irish Therapy Dogs there. I was wondering how Fraizer is getting on with his volunteer work and if he is enjoying it? When he did his assessment, what sort of qualities made him suitable? Oh, and a photo would be lovely too!

[whiteewolf]

yeah sorry i didnt upload one sooner i had trouble with getting it off my memory card.
anyway yeah he loves it, loves being sitting with the folks and either putting his head in their lap or just sit while they prefer to look rather than touch. The most important quality for him to have was the ability to sit quietly and be petted and for the assessment that he be calm and not easily freaked out (and occasionally but unintentionally poked). He enjoys it a lot and it helps that he’s very good with obedience commands because i use them quite often when he’s with them so its a bit of mental exercise as well which he loves.
Alex
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[dogsrule]

Thanks Alex! That’s a super picture, looks like a really clever collie. I have a collie who is a people-dog BUT even at 10 years is as giddy and strong willed (aka obstinate ). He also fears loud noises. The other lad the spaniel cross (DID dog) is very good at the vets, doesn’t mind being examined, but is a bit inclined to worry though. Very little will have him giving out the nose-licking and whale-eye signals. Its a pity because they are great pals to my elderly parents.

I was thinking though that some people on here may well have dogs with a great way about them and it would be an organisation they could consider putting them in for. Fair play to you seeing the opportunity, I think it’s good for your dog too since he likes people, working and wants to please. Great video of him in the link to good old photobucket (sending him off and he returning for a treat). Elaine

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