Poppy Update:
After all her training with Guide Dogs of America it was easy for Poppy to pass the Therapy Dog’s International Competency Test. Sha Newman, Poppy’s very own teacher, tested her and signed off on her skills. Poppy is now a licensed Therapy Dog sponsored by Kilowatt.
You know, studies show that petting a dog causes people’s blood pressure to lower, increases endorphin and oxygen levels, and reduces anxiety.
For her first job, Poppy was invited by the Calabasas High School Peer support organization to come out and help the students de-stress before their final exams. She is so used to bells and crowds because our children took her to school with them when she was a puppy-in-training for GDA.
Next stop, Valley Village adult activity center In Van Nuys. What a wonderful bunch of people! Several were in wheelchairs and it was hard for them to reach down and pet Poppy. We figured out that she could climb on a chair and, in one case, up onto the table to give love.