Newsmakers
February 28, 2010.
Sister Maryann Ambrose's ministry with Raisin
Raisin the Therapy Dog  Therapy Dogs International is based in New Jersey and provides testing and certification for Pet Therapy Dogs. Obtaining the list of requirements, I trained in the summer of 2007 and she received her certification in October. Requirements include passing the basic AKCCanine Good Citizenship test with additional tests that relate to life in a facility. One example would be that the CGCtests requires the dog to be focused and comfortable in a crowd; pet therapy certification requires this component of the test to include a crowd with medical equipment walkers, crutches, wheel chairs. While one can train a dog to accomplish a set of tasks, one of the crucial requirements is disposition and temperament suitable to be with people and children. Raisin most definitely possesses both. Her calm and gentle presence is felt by all who meet her.
Raisin has logged more than 130 visits to various facilities in the past 18 months. She has been a weekly visitor to The Bristal, an assisted living facility in Westbury; semi-weekly at East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Babylon, as well as home visits upon request. Raisin makes a noted difference from the moment she walks through the door. People smile, change their tone of voice and immediately look to pet her. It has been a privilege to accompany Raisin on her visits. I get to witness the effect Raisin’s presence has when she encounters new friends. Without a doubt, she allows us to experience unconditional love. She never judges, greets everyone she meets with a wagging tail, and we are free to be who we are with her. Perhaps that is what makes visits with Raisin so wonderful – she loves you for you – no demands. Today we hear of such violence toward one another and the animals in our lives. There is a great sadness that so many have so little value for life. We have much to learn from the animal kingdom. Violence is not so commonplace among animals. We hear in scripture that the lion will lie down with the lamb. I believe they already do; we just don’t recognize it – we do not see. For more information contact Therapy Dogs International, Inc. at www.tdi-dog.org. n Sister Maryann Ambrose
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