If you are interested in having a therapy visit from the our team, use the blue “Contact” button to your left or drop us a message through our Contact page. Both dogs and handlers are certified and insured through Pawsibilies Unleashed to bring pet therapy to those in need. Check out our Facilities Visited page to see the types of places we visit.
A Walk Across America – As we walk across America this year, we will be making stops at all kinds of facilities to do any of the programs mentioned below. One of those stops could be to see you! If you are interested in having us stop in on you, your school, or facility, please contact us. Our route is always changing and your inquiries could very well help us as we make decisions about where we will be passing through. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Pet Therapy Visits – Pet therapy visits happen in a variety of settings for many different reasons and for all kinds of people. They can happen in a hospital, nursing home, rehab facility, children’s home, or even in the comfort of your own home. Visits can last from 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the circumstances.
Reading Programs - For children who are struggling to learn to read, a therapy dog can turn reading from a frightening and frustrating experience into something that is fun, relaxing, and something to look forward to. When a child gets to read to a dog, they don’t have to worry about getting the words wrong or reading too slowly. The dog doesn’t care. They are just happy to be there and that attitude has a way of rubbing off on their little human companions.
How To Meet A Strange Dog – This educational program is designed to teach children how to help keep themselves safe around dogs, whether it is a new dog or an old friend. Children and dogs often seem made for each other, however there are inherent risks and not every dog is good with kids. This program is meant to educate children on how to read a dog’s basic body language, how to properly approach and meet a dog, and how to politely interact with a dog. You can see our blog entry Kids: How to Meet a Strange Dog for more information about this program.
Life With Dogs - This is a simple educational program about a happy, healthy life with dogs and getting the most out of your relationship with your canine companion. We cover basic care, exercise, dog-friendly activities, and a brief introduction to pet therapy and volunteer work with your dog.
Pet Portraits – Kait is a working artist and offers drawings of your beloved pets, be they canine, feline, equine, or otherwise. More information about human or animal portraits and examples of her work can be found at www.KaitWhistler.com
Arrow and Guinness. To Mom and Dad with Love. Kaitlin A. Whister, Dec. 2008
Hello Kait and John,
My name is Jon, i am from Ohio and i have a 3 year old Puggle. First off, i love your concept and mission. It is wonderful to see people trying to make the world a better place, by any means. You truly have an opportunity to make a difference in many peoples lives and I wish you the best. I was hoping you (Kait) could provide some tips and tricks that will help me train my old brown dog for the TDI test.
Thank you and best of luck,
Jon S.
Hello Jon! Thank you so much for your kind words and support of our mission. It is wonderful that you are pursuing your TDI certification- that is exactly what our walk is all about! I certainly have tips, but there are no tricks, just plain old hard work and time. I would start by taking a hard look at the testing requirements available at the TDI website, and spend some time with the list of actual skills you and your Old Brown Dog will be tested on. They are listed in detail in the testing requirements brochure, available on the testing requirements page of the TDI website.
Now, a few tips because you asked: walk AT LEAST 1 hour every day- the more the better. Walking means business. Your dog should not walk in front of you. Make sure you establish clear, consistent expectations at all times. A good rule of thumb: Any time your dog wants ANYTHING, whether it is up on the couch, to go outside, or to greet another dog, they should sit and look at you first. They need your permission to do anything-yes, even sniffing when on a walk.
Best of luck with your exam prep! There are exams being held by Sandy Kordis-Rubin the first Saturday of every month in Cincinnati, OH. Thanks again for the positivity! -Kait
Kait,
I’d like to extend an enormous *thank you* for your assistance over the past 8 months since I adopted my dear sweet Rita. As anyone who has met her would insist, she is a wonderfully behaved dog – all thanks to your advice! After having it easy with the family dog, moving out on my own and eventually deciding to adopt a dog as a personal companion was an easy choice for me – but I didn’t expect to fall in love-at-first-sight with a puppy (10 months at the time).
You have been a constant source of wisdom and inspiration. I am very appreciative of every tidbit of advice you’ve bestowed upon me and for the respectful and humble way in which you deliver it. I am so very proud of how far Rita has come in such a short time and am looking forward to a lifetime of adventures with her (and you and Grace!). We are planning on taking our TDI Certification Exam in June and our success will be 100% thanks to you!
If you ever are in need of an honest recommendation of your knowledge in the Dog Behavior and Psychology area, I would be more than happy to be contacted via email at acieboots@gmail.com.
Everlastingly grateful,
Lacie
Hello
I am wondering if you may be able to help.
We rescued a Lurcher X from the local Greyhound rescue centre. He is a 2 year old male who obviously has been mistreated as he has scars all over his nose and body.
He is perfect in every way except one…Men!
I have 3 children aged 4, 10 & 16 and he loves them all. He is fantastic with me and my 4 year old Border Terrier X. He is great on the lead and sleeps on his bed all night without a problem. No mess in the house, we do have to put the bin away when we leave the dogs alone as he is a bit of a scrounger.
The problem is when any men come in to the house he barks furiously at them and runs away. Once they have sat down he will settle a bit but always has one eye on them. He seems to be worse with my husband and the problem is my husband works away for 3/4 weeks at a time so when he comes back it starts all over again.
When any male gets up to leave or tries to play with the children he has started to snap at them which is worrying me quite alot as yesterday he caught the fingers of a male guest.
Could you give me any advice on how to overcome this problem as when my hubby comes in the room or moves he jumps up and barks and it is very upsetting
I hope you can help
Regards
Sharron Dickson