Therapy setter needs therapy

[Henk ten Klooster]

Recently I took on request of the ISCN two IRS in temporarily shelter for retraining. One of them -Thomas- was in his youth a therapy dog for mentally handicapped which he did well according to an employeee who owns a littersister. But Thomas was neglected when there was not enough staff around. Next address he lived mainly outside with his brother.

Where most of his littermates I know (the breeder died so couldn't care) are as free as birds, he is too shy: belly and legs up when you give attention or commands. Added he hates slippery floors, no step taken. As we have a slippery floor, we made a few stepping stones with carpet. Anymore experiences/tips with that out here? I like to regenerate him into a proud free bird!!!

By the way , the Irish Setter Sigh is the first Pets as Therapy dog of Jersey, reports the Jersey Evening Post. He is used to work for young people between 11 and 25 who have autism or learning disabilities. Check for the full report http://www.thisisjersey.com/2010/02/01/setter-of-attention

[Henk ten Klooster]

I’ll give it a go Ursula!!!! Let’s say provide a setter a new spring in life.

For the "Jean en Rita Struyf-method" I will use puppy Kells instead of young kids, mine are too old for that. In a nutshell Kells will get this doggy Robinson Crusoe of his carpet-island. He likes to play with her.

Means Thomas has joined our team with from left to right Clancy, Echlin, Thomas, Giulla, Kells faraway:-)

[Cheryl Cawton]

hi i understand that the old owner where not the best of owner for the dog. I would like to point something out if i may. I have my own irish as a service dog. a service dog is diffance then a therapy dog. Every where i go. so many people want to love him just because of the setter in him. These are very smart dog they is a lot of time and money spend on training them. But the most immportant thing is they need love just like us Bipolar People. If The Service person every do anything wrong to are dogs. We can nerver get another one. . When it came time to train my dog i open the book and showed it to George. He readed it and was trained. I know of a Place in Harrisburg that trains these dogs . They told me my dog was to old George is 12 and still working and loving his job. I would be lost with out my best friend George.

[Henk ten Klooster]

Some say Irish setters are worlds best anti-depressive. So good to read about George active in helping with bp, Cheryl. Because of their joy in life, Irish setters are no doubt fantastic for all kinds of help.

Thomas was fine as well. According to two staffmembers of the caring farm he loved everybody and everybody loved him.

Maybe things might have gone better when there had been a loving individual coming over now and than to the farm and he was not put away in kennels for long, who knows?

Good luck with George!

[colette tuite]

Hi Henk, How is Robinson Crusoe oming on ? Has he ventured forth from his self imposed exile yet?

[Henk ten Klooster]

Heres a last shot of Robinson yesterday. One of the few moments he stood still during his hours walk. Yes he left his island!!! But just like a wild Indian first introduced to a princess ballroom. Tomorrow I will take him to feathered fields, out in the wild is when Robinson Crusoe feels fine.

[Henk ten Klooster]

Forgot: Robinson is second from right. When that guy runs..... As if he flies!

[Henk ten Klooster]

Thomas got himself a thrilling new home on Sunday, March 7.

His new owners are recently relatively young retired couple enjoying landscapes while walking with their setter. She has decades of experience with replaced setters, so a succesfull follow up of a re-training phase seems guaranteed. Ofcourse departure of a dog like Thomas, theif of hearts, was not easy.

Thanks to all people here who tried to help with advice and tips for a re-training period. Some new for me like tips from Caroline, practised with success. I have thoroughly enjoyed that kind of cooperation so raised chances of a happy future for Thomas is a success for all contributing here.