~ Shelties and Therapy ~
Oh, The Things They Can Do!
Our shelties are one of the most versatile breeds of all, being highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. When you think of the "versatile sheltie," these things quickly come to mind: The BIS (Best in Show) winner; the AX (Agility Excellent); the HX (Herding Excellent); the UDX (Utility Dog Excellent); the OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion); all these are readily achievable, proving this breed is able to succeed at anything you may desire.
But what of those things that maybe don't
spring so readily to mind when you think, "Sheltie winner?" What about how your
Sheltie warms your feet in the January cold? What about the Sheltie whose velvet
kisses wipe away your tears, or the tears of your child? What of the Sheltie who
dances with your elation, laughs at your antics, yet so carefully and
attentively keeps a watchful eye out for the toddler or your great-aunt in her
wheelchair?
For Shelties, therapy comes naturally
These things, which are all oh-so-sheltie, are often taken for granted, overlooked or unrecognized, for the simple reason these things come so naturally to the Sheltie. They are simply there, wherever your Sheltie may be. Though I attempt to always acknowledge the wonder that my Shelties are, with their very sensitive natures, how many times has one comforted, to only be absently petted and sent along the way?
These are the silent gifts, and they are gifts abundant, coming from a Sheltie heart.
Therapy work for a Sheltie is as no work at all. That gentle nudge, or simply lying there for the hands to feel, are many times what being a Sheltie is all about. There are Shelties doing therapy work literally everywhere. From retirement homes to nursing homes to outpatient clinics to critical care hospital wards, Shelties are there bringing a smile and comfort to the sick and infirm, the distant, the unreachable.
Following are a few photos of Kerrie
(Ailea's Kerrie Me Away, CD) doing her bestest and most favoritest job -
visiting the "wrinkled folks." Many thanks to Cyndee Walklet for doing such a
great job with her Shelties, and for providing me with these great, heartwarming
photos of Kerrie-Berry at work!
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Sometimes, the magic comes from the hugs... |
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Sometimes, it comes from sharing cookies... |
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There are times, of course, when a friendly chat does the trick... |
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And others, still, when simply being near enough to pet is needed... |
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Sometimes, secrets are shared... |
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Smiles given... |
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Serious discussions had... |
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However it happens... |
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The magic is there... |
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Intimately shared... |
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Priceless. |
If you have been inspired to look into doing therapy work with your Sheltie (or
any other dog for that matter), more information can be found by following the
link below.