Therapy work with a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as the handler of one of these amazing dogs. Interactions with therapy dogs can make such an impact on the lives of people who benefit from and come to count on these visits. From children to the elderly and disabled, therapy dogs help to bring joy, assist in learning and provide so many other wonderful benefits to these people.
I am proud, humbled and honored to be part of this wonderful community of people dedicated to giving back, and bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to my very dear friend, and mentor Eileen Tonick of Angel Dogs Training. She selflessly took me under her wing and helped me to develop a solid foundation in training dogs, learning about their psyche, how dogs think and communicate. Most importantly though, she fostered my love of therapy work and shared everything she has learned on her journey so that I can now pay it forward to all of the therapy teams I help to develop. Thank you Eileen!
Brandy and her dog Asher have been a registered team with Pet Partners for 5 years, doing work with children and disabled adults and teens as well as visiting elderly in assisted living facilities. She works with several different organizations pertaining to therapy and service dog work:
Pawsitive Friendships
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (currently in the process of becoming an evaluator)
Pet Partners
In addition to therapy work, Brandy and her pack participate in many activities that include: Scent work, Flyball, Dock Diving, Herding, Agility, and Barn Hunt.
Brandy has 6 years experience conducting training classes including the therapy dog classes that prepare teams to take their evaluations with their respective organizations.
In addition to Therapy Dog Prep Classes, she and her business partner and co/trainer Steve Mark regularly conduct several different group classes:
- Leadership & Obedience
- Puppy Socialization
- Advanced Obedience (On The Move)
- Agility for Fun
- Specialty classes as weather permits
Other qualifications:
Here is a peek at teams preparing to be evaluated.
Watch therapy dogs in action in the public schools.