Retirees find a new purpose helping therapy dogs

Derene, who was familiar with therapy dogs before getting Wally certified, became interested in giving it a try himself as he neared retirement. Working with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs for evaluation and observation, the pair now spend time making visits, teaching about dog safety and doing service projects. Timid readers can even get the chance to read Wally their favorite book.

“This work gives me routine. I found my thing in retirement that I can look forward to and give back to the community,” Derene said.

Credit: Craig Derene

Credit: Craig Derene

The right personality

Derene was confident Wally would love being a therapy dog because of his personality.

“Your dog has to be reasonably well-behaved and of the right temperament first,” he said. It’s also important, according to Derene, for the dog’s owner to really know their dog.

“Therapy dogs should have a good relationship and bond with their owners, who need to be able to tell when their dogs are happy and want to visit and when they’re uncomfortable,” Monica Callahan, education and marketing manager at the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, told the AJC.

Comfort level is essential for a good therapy dog, as is adaptability.

“It’s not always about how well-trained they are. More importantly, you have to know how your dog is going to behave — what they’ll do around other dogs and unfamiliar things,” Derene said.

The dog’s temperament isn’t the only thing under consideration. Handlers need the right combination of skills as well.

“It’s important that handlers are not just there to hold the leash and can add to the visit. They are a dog and handler team, not just a dog team,” Callahan said.

The special impact in the senior community

For those like Derene, looking for a way to stay active after retiring, having a therapy dog can be a great solution.

“Therapy dog visits allow retirees to give back and feel that they have a purpose in life. It gives them the opportunity to remain social and keeps them moving when they might not otherwise,” Callahan said.

Credit: Craig Derene

Credit: Craig Derene

It’s not just beneficial to own a therapy dog, though. Visits from therapy dogs can also have a positive impact on older adults.

“The senior community really benefits from therapy dog visits. A therapy dog visit can be a change in monotonous routine. Their visits can provide a mood boost if someone is feeling particularly sad about something. These visits can be life-changing for the senior community,” Callahan said.

Training to be a therapy dog

Training to become a therapy dog can occur at any age for a dog. For puppies, Michael Billedo, owner and trainer at Dog Training Elite, does an aptitude test around seven weeks, looking at 10 specific areas.

“A therapy dog has to be steady and predictable at home and in public,” Billedo said.

In adult dogs, after establishing a calm and emotionally stable temperament, Billedo does a full evaluation before training begins, which focuses on foundational skills and impulse control training.

In-home training is one part of the process that has an added benefit. According to Billedo, this creates a stronger bond between therapy dog and owner and leads to more consistent outcomes.

“In many cases, the owner grows just as much as the dog does. Therapy work deepens communication and trust between handler and dog,” Billedo said. “Many handlers find the experience personally meaningful.”

Building a special bond

Therapy dogs give a lot to the community. They not only bring joy but also help reduce stress, provide comfort and ease anxiety. No matter what Wally is doing on a visit, Derene sees results that keep both him and Wally happily working.

“Every time we go to work, I see the joy and the smiles on faces, and that’s what’s rewarding to me,” Derene said.

Wally usually shows off how much he loves it, too.

“Wally spends half his day, when he’s working, on his back waiting for belly rubs,” Derene said. “He’s just so happy.”