ZEKE
While working on his Companion Dog title (he hopes to have it this summer), Zeke picked up a Canine Good Citizen award. The Therapy Dog International test was conducted at the same time, so we gave it a try. Zeke, being a very friendly fellow, passed with flying colors. The examiner did warn me that "if he visits anyone in a wheelchair, make sure their brakes are on" because he tends to fling himself onto people.
I am a teacher of emotionally disturbed children so decided that Zeke's calling with them. When I told my class that he had become a therapy dog, they thought he was going to be doing therapy with other dogs! I brought him to my middle school classrom many times this year. He was unfailingly cheerful and had kisses for everyone.
The children, who live in a group home, are so starved for contact with pets. They all love him. Zeke gladly accepts hugs and give back sloppy Stafford kisses. He does all his tricks and shows off his obedience routine. We give demonstrations of clicker training and he just hangs out in my classroom. Behavior is always better on the days when Zeke visits. He is very sensitive and shows his upset by going into his crate when anyone is loud or disruptive.
When he is not doing therapy, he spends his time with his two Stafford 'sisters', Cam and Wynnie, or training inobedience. Zeke is clicker trained and would do a great job in the ring if he could just learn to stay. He does have one 3rd place in novice obedience. When he finishes his C.D., he is ready to go on to open obedience and, cross your fingers, a C.D.X.
Jean Richardson
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