We are getting a therapy dog!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2017

How do I sign up for this? :)

But seriously, I do wonder if some of my student could benefit from a little animal therapy. One of my cats is so gentle (she loves, loves belly rubs and has never lashed out, she is a rare one) that I think about getting her certified as a therapy cat. I wish I could bring her in as I know many of the kids would love her and she'd love all the attention.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2017

how do i sign up for this? :) i think about getting her certified as a therapy cat.

i want a therapy cat!!!

iggywench, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2017

I would love to do that with my dog! He's an 11-year-old Lab mix, and all he does is follow me around at home, and lie down next to me. He sleeps next to the bed at night, too. He just wants to be with me, and I know he'd be in Heaven if he could lie in my office all day, and get petted by the students.

Bridgid Joseph, BSN, MSN, APRN, CNS · Nov 28, 2017

This is great! I love to hear of therapy pets being used and appreciated!!

JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN · Nov 28, 2017

If there were dogs at work all day, I'd never take a day off.

We have therapy dogs at the SAR where I work and I honestly will get up and run down the hallway anytime I see one of them. I adore dogs.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Nov 28, 2017

omg! I just had a conversation with our counselor - he's trying to get a therapy dog approved!! I'm wagging my tail over here!

audreysmagic, RN · Nov 28, 2017

Ahh, that's so cool! My hospital (peds/adolescent psych) has a therapy dog that comes on Tuesdays, and I happened to be in the lobby when she came in. The rest of my day was significantly improved by petting her.

audreysmagic, RN · Nov 28, 2017

Funny story - one time, when I was charge nurse on the floor, our therapy dog came to visit, so I went into the dayroom to ask who wanted to come see the dog. Two hands go up. Ten or so more kids stare at me blankly. I was a little surprised, so I asked, "Are you sure you guys don't want to come see the dog? She's very gentle." One kid asks, "Is it a REAL dog? Not a stuffed one?" I clarify that, yes, it is a real, live, actual dog and every hand shoots up. I'm not sure how the majority of them all reached the conclusion that the dog in question was a stuffed one, but it amused me greatly.

ProperlySeasoned · Nov 29, 2017

Non school nurse raises her hand....

What is a preventionist? Is that a euphemism for a type of school based police officer?

OhioBPH · Nov 29, 2017

Non school nurse raises her hand....
What is a preventionist? Is that a euphemism for a type of school based police officer?

I don't know! I have asked my mother, who works in another district, they don't have them, and my district RN, she doesn't know either. But, she is part of the counseling department and her job seems to be focusing on kids who have emotional problems. She coordinates the various therapies and programs that we offer, handles many of my difficult students who refuse to return to class, and is a good adult contact for troubled kids. I'm not sure what she prevents. But thats her title.

NanaPoo · Nov 29, 2017

Ok, I just cracked up when you said "she's interviewing dogs today."

Am I the only one who's picturing dogs waiting in a lobby holding their file folder with their resume? Or sitting at a desk, legs crossed, answering questions about their 5 year plan?

cid1 · Nov 29, 2017

I was just introduced to a failed service dog (likes to chase squirrels) that I may adopt. He is awesome and amazing. I want him so bad. Just have to convince my husband. We just put or rescue down last week. I may be crazy, but that is okay