Reardon and his magic cape
My CCI buddy has left again with his magic cape. I wished he could have left it behind. He seems to have superpowers when he wears his cape. When he stands in front of a store he can go inside while I can’t.* I asked mom if I could have one so I could go shopping with her but she explained to me that superpowers come with super-obligations. Reardon is expected to leave his temporary home for training once he is about a year old. He then has to go through even more training. Eventually, if he completes all his training successfully, he will live with a person who needs assistance with activities of daily living and thereby improve that person’s independence.
When dogs such as Reardon are unable to complete the CCI training they are adopted by one of the families that are on an adoption waiting list. In that case, they may become a therapy dog like me. I hope Reardon succeeds in whatever his destination is. It would be nice if we could meet again someday in the future. I also hope that he has always enough time for playing in his busy schedule. Because you just can’t play enough.
* Click here for a comparison of service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs
Reardon and I goofing around after school
Benji.
Life of Benji 
I cross my paws that your Reardon will pass all test with flying colors… or with a flying cape… and maybe we will meet each other once… then Reardon can go into the stores to buy all sausages there… and all the beer… yay!
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Oh, you certainly know how to throw a good party, I am in! Benji.
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Now being that I have many paws in this house, I will ask those paws to cross for good luck that you, Benji, make it all the way through therapy school. I know how dedicated you must be and very very smart too. I hope to one day see you with the Magic Cape on!!! Good luck and pawkisses!!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you Amy for asking to cross all paws for good luck . I became certified as a therapy dog in October last year. Now I am waiting on mom to finish her shadow visits so that I can start my first secret mission with her. We will let you all know when that happens. Pawkisses ❤ ❤ ❤ , Benji.
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Oops, apologies, Benji. Well then cross paws for Mom!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Mom is a bit slow; she says it has to do with other duties. I have no idea what those are. So I am sitting with my paws crossed too 😀 , Benji.
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Count your blessings you are a Canine, Benji, for I understand how humans do have other duties. I know your mom is doing her best so that you can go on your first secret mission. 😉 ❤
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I will, Amy. I will just sleep – play -and sleep a lot. Time will go fast that way. Puppykisses, Benji.
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Benji, you are a warm hearted dog. You wrote so lovely of Readon. You became true friends. I love that photo.
Kosmo
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Well, thanks Kosmo! He truly did, didn’t he?!. He will be in our hearts forever and will make someone very happy with his gifts.
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I wish the best successes to Reardon,
He has the face of a smart boy …. and a good friend for fun!!
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He is fun and smart for sure. He is only 6 months old right now so imagine what he can do when he is an adult. ZAB.
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I feel a great admiration for the work that these dogs do, but it always leads me to think about how little time they have to play, they seem so serious and focused when they take care of a person …
My English is not fine, I can not find the words … but I think you understand.
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Your English is fine and I do understand completely. I have the same concerns. Since I have seen several dogs in action over the past couple of months, I have come to the conclusion that they are well cared for and do have time to play. At CCI the dog is never adopted by the person who needs assistance. This means that there is always oversight. I wished though that shelter dogs would be used as well for this program. Thanks for bringing up these important issues!
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Looks fantastic
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Thanks! Benji.
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What is the expense for a therapy dog?
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Do you mean to train one for yourself?
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Yes
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If you have already a dog it is fairly easy. Start with basic obedience training. We also did intermediate and advanced training. Then find a place where you can do a pre-screening and train your dog. However, a therapy dog is different from a service or emotional support dog see https://lifeofbenjii.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/therapy-dogs1.jpg. Once accepted we had to go to eight training sessions ($65 total). CCI training requires a lot more work, hours and $$. Those dogs are estimated to be worth about $50.000 by the time they are fully trained. I imagine you are looking for an epilepsy warning dog. Some dogs are born with a sensitivity that helps epilepsy patients, others are not. A therapy dog is only trained to comfort people and not to alert people. You may find more info on that subject via http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/staying-safe/seizure-dogs
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Thank you for getting back so quickly
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❤
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❤❤❤ Benji
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Awesome pawspective Benji! Although you might not have the “magic cape” right now, therapy dogs still have so much fun! (Without all the responsibility) 🐶
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Yeah, and I can stay at my furrever home! I discovered too that my blue harness works like magic. Benji
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well written!
Shipra, a story teller.
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Thanks, Benji
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