Rice Hospice Pet Therapy Program is looking for a few good dogs

As seen in the West Central Tribune. Click to enlarge.

Rice Hospice is looking for a few good dogs and their owners to join our pet therapy program.

The training involves a three-step process that starts with Pet Temperament Evaluations on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13^th at Rice Memorial Hospital.

Next, the owner attends our Hospice Volunteer Training on Monday April 29^th followed by Canine Training and AKC Certification, Friday – Saturday, June 7-9^th.

Canine Care for the Journey is a pet therapy program from Rice Hospice which provides comfort, support and animal companionship to hospice patients and their families.  All dogs accepted into the program are American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizens and are registered with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. Therapy dog handlers are Rice Hospice trained volunteers.

Therapy dog visits may reduce loneliness, offer entertainment and distraction, and are often a welcome change from routine. Therapy dogs are currently available in all of the areas that Rice Hospice serves.

Therapy dog training is open to the general public and anyone interested in becoming part of the pet therapy program is encouraged  to contact Rice Hospice at 320.231.4450.