Rudy

Entrant's First Name
Ellen

I am a Therapy Animal

Tell us a story about how pet therapy touched your life.
I have had multiple surgeries and desperately needed a visit but no animals were around. This is when I decided to help others and to try and be there for them as I needed someone for me. I also saw first hand how Rudy was especially attentive to my mom during her last months of her life. It brought her endless smiles and comfort.

Give us an example of a special interaction between your therapy animal and the person they were visiting.
Rudy has a soft spot for all people but he recently met a little girl who had to testify in her own sexual abuse. He patiently spent over two hours at the courthouse with her having a tea party and listening to her read stories on being brave. It was so sweet and moving. She did an amazing job as did Rudy keeping her mind occupied. The person was later convicted of his crime against her and I believe Rudy helped her get through it amazingly.

If you are not an active therapy animal team, explain how your pet provides therapy to you through the human animal bond.
We are an active therapy team but I have chronic pain and when I’m having a rough day, he always knows how to comfort me and make me feel I’m not alone. . Also, when I walk with him I tend to focus more on my steps and there is less of a chance I will fall. I will always have a dog. It allows me to focus on the love he shares as opposed to anything negative such as pain. He shares unconditional love without judgement. 💕