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.

Misty Was a Bad Puppy

Misty is the sweetest dog ever. I know, I know. Every dog owner says this about their dog. Despite how bias that statement is, it's true.

But, she wasn't always sweet.

In fact, when she was a puppy, she was a little hellhound.

That's right, that adorable little puppy that was once so tiny she fit on my desk, next to my laptop, was a huge rebel.

You see that red harness that she's wearing? We bought her the harness because she would bite her leashes off. She bit her way out of that harness too. And all other harnesses she was given.

She would harass other dogs.

She insisted on laying down on her pee pads... after she already peed on them (hey, at least she used them!).

She inflicted wounds on me because she thought it was hilarious.

She would steal dish towels from the kitchen because she enjoyed interrupting me while I was studying.

She would proceed to go after me and eat my pants when I'd ask her to sit.

But, eventually she learned to respond to all my commands. Even though she would forget sometimes and more training was needed, she turned into a really awesome, well behaved dog. Well, except when another dog gets a stick. That's her stick! Wait, no it isn't. Okay, so she has to work on sharing. Other than that, she's perfect.

My Dog Takes After Me

I was really excited that Jade and Oak and Karly Kim were doing another Pets Are People Too link-up! The title of this link-up is so appropriate since Misty is so similar to me. Don't believe me? See for yourself!

She's a terrible driver.

But she always wears her seatbelt. 

Sometimes, she gets her nails painted.

Then she ruins them by going for a long walk.

When she isn't going for a walk, she enjoys going flying.

And spending time with her boyfriend.

But, she's always loyal to Andrew. Cuddles with him are her favourite.

She's okay cuddling with me too.