TDI In The News
Another First for Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
The author, left, smiles as Ambassador Robert F. Godec
presents Forest with his honorary embassy badge at an awards ceremony in Nairobi.
Forest, a German Shepherd Dog, registered with Therapy Dogs International, has been declared an honorary member of the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. He is the US State Department's first "therapy dog".
Please follow the link to the article about this wonderful TDI team.
Paws That Refresh
Why We Are TDI Members
By: Annette Smith
Last Tuesday during our weekly visit to the local hospice residence, I discovered why my TDI dog, Nicky Bella, and I are committed to these visits. In the hallway I stopped to chat with a family member who mentioned that her Mom had been an avid dog lover, and would have loved to have seen Nicky Bella. Unfortunately, she had just received the Last Rites, was in a coma, and was surrounded by her family members.
Nicky and I went into the room, and after talking about Nicky for a while, I noticed that this woman had slightly opened her eyes. I pulled a chair up to the bed, and had Nicky get on it. The comatose patient actually reached up and gave Nicky a little pet before closing her eyes, and sinking back into her deep sleep. The family members were beside themselves. They couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed. I still get choked up when I think about this.
Nicky Bella, a dog that was rescued off the streets at 6 months of age, and then sat in a kennel for 3 years, is now giving so much to so many. She does a weekly Tail Waggin' Tutors program with a 4th grade and a local library, tags along while I help transport wheel chairs for a weekly church service at our County Nursing home (and of course has to visit with everyone along the way), regularly visits other nursing homes, a drug treatment program and will be adding a soon-to-be-opened assisted living home. Of course she attends Sunday Services and sits on the altar with the choir.
These Therapy Dogs give so much to so many, and I have no doubt that upon crossing the Rainbow Bridge, they will take their rightful place at the foot of our Lord in Heaven!