Misty the Therapy Dog

Misty at your service!

I bet you didn't know that Misty is a therapy dog. She's part of the St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Misty gets to go to all sorts of places: hospitals, schools, old folks homes, etc. to make someones day a little bit brighter.

About a year ago, both Andrew's grandparents were in the hospital. On occasion, Andrew would bring Misty to hospital with him to visit them. Not only did his grandparents appreciate this but other patients did too. Even the staff were thrilled to see Misty. The satisfaction of brightening someones day made Andrew (and Misty!) feel really good. That's when he decided to sign her up for the Therapy Dog Program.

I was a little worried that Misty wouldn't pass the tests they put her through. She can get a little possessive when she gets a toy and she's not afraid to bark at someone if they make her uncomfortable. Fortunately though, Misty passed her tests with flying colours and became an official therapy dog!

Just this week, Misty has been to a high school, to help raise awareness of the program and give kids an excuse to leave class the opportunity to play with her (in return for a small donation that goes towards the program). Yesterday, she went to Humber College to raise awareness there. She's a really busy dog!

Although she doesn't really get a say in it, I'm very proud of her. She's kind of my hero, my best friend, oh, and my pillow.