By Jane Harrington-Durst

When you think of therapy dogs, images of wagging tails, gentle eyes, and calming presences likely come to mind. Trixi, a certified therapy dog, embodies these qualities and more. Through her work in schools, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and libraries, Trixi brings joy, comfort, and healing to people of all ages. Here’s her inspiring story and what it takes to be a therapy dog team.
Trixi’s Work: Spreading Happiness
Trixi’s therapy work allows her to connect with people in various settings. Whether she’s visiting a hospital room or a school library, Trixi’s presence brings calmness and joy. She loves to be petted during her visits, and just by being there, she helps people feel more relaxed and at ease. The transformative power of her companionship is undeniable.

Becoming a Therapy Dog Team
For me, the decision to become a therapy dog handler began with a deeply personal experience. My in-laws, who were in assisted living with dementia, found joy and comfort in Trixi’s presence. During our weekly visits, I noticed how Trixi adapted her behavior to suit their needs—calm and gentle around wheelchairs yet playful and animated with the nursing staff. This sparked the idea to have her certified as a therapy dog.
Trixi’s journey began with a unique twist. Originally trained as a Leader Dog for the Blind, she couldn’t complete the program due to hesitations with stairways. I adopted her as a “Career Change Dog,” and her potential for therapy work quickly became evident. After 12 weeks of rigorous training, Trixi earned her certification and began her impactful work.
The Impact of Trixi’s Work
The difference Trixi makes in people’s lives continues to amaze me. She creates moments of happiness wherever she goes. From elderly residents in wheelchairs to active children in schools, Trixi seems to sense what each person needs. Her ability to adapt her energy level and behavior to suit different environments makes her an exceptional therapy dog.
The Qualities of a Therapy Dog
A therapy dog needs more than just a friendly demeanor. Trixi’s training focused on discipline and calmness in all situations. She mastered commands like sit, stay, and relax—essential skills for interacting with people who may be frail, ill, or overly excited. Her innate kindness and sensitivity made her a perfect candidate for this role.

Challenges and Rewards
Being a therapy dog handler comes with challenges. For instance, during a visit to a memory care facility, one resident believed Trixi was his dog and became upset. In such situations, I’ve learned to respond with compassion and tact, often “fibbing” to avoid distress. I’ve also been trained to monitor Trixi for signs of stress, such as excessive panting or growling, ensuring her comfort and safety.
The rewards, however, far outweigh the challenges. Volunteering with Trixi has introduced me to many wonderful people, taught me about aging gracefully, and reinforced the importance of kindness. Seeing the smiles she brings to people’s faces is an unparalleled joy.
Maintaining Balance
At home, Trixi’s life is much like any other pet’s. She doesn’t wear her therapy vest and enjoys playing fetch, relaxing, and long walks. On volunteering days, I balance her diet to account for the extra treats she receives. This balance ensures she stays happy and healthy while performing her important work.
Advice for Aspiring Therapy Dog Handlers
Training with a certified organization is key for those considering therapy dog work. Trixi and I trained through Pawsitive Changes (pawsitivechanges.org), and the structured program was instrumental in our success. I encourage anyone interested to start with basic obedience training and ensure their dog’s temperament is suited for this demanding yet rewarding role.

Final Thoughts
Since retiring from a 37-year career in the automotive industry, volunteering with Trixi has become my way of giving back to the community. Over the past three years, I’ve witnessed the profound difference a therapy dog can make. Trixi has taught me the value of compassion and connection, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share her gifts with others.
If you’re inspired by Trixi’s story and want to learn more about therapy dogs, don’t hesitate to reach out. And who knows? You might even get the chance to meet Trixi in person during one of her visits. Together, we’re proving that a wagging tail and a loving heart can truly make the world a brighter place.
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