Michael A. Clifton

THERAPY

Senior citizens around Fayette County will soon have their days brightened by visits from a new furry, four-legged friend.

Fayette County resident and Fulton County firefighter Ronnie Lyle and his white German Shepherd, Belle, are the latest dog and handler team to successfully complete Therapy Dog testing through the Atlanta Southside Kennel Club in Jonesboro, Ga. and Therapy Dogs, Incorporated of Cheyenne, Wy.

Therapy dog certification allows Lyle and Belle to visit senior citizens homes, nursing and rehabilitation centers, hospitals and schools in the area that request their presence.

“Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people who need something to hold and love,” according to Therapy Dogs, Incorporated.

Therapy dog visits “Brighten the lives of residents,”

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Michael A. Clifton

THERAPY 2-2-2

said Head Therapy Dog Tester Molly Crane. “Residents that have become withdrawn and will no longer talk to people will almost always talk to the dogs when they visit.”

“Certification is important. You can get your dog into the facilities easier if certified,” says Crane. “Certified dogs are tested, observed and insured for liability.”

“We were just about finished with an obedience class that we were taking through the Fayette County Recreation Department. I was looking for something else for Belle and I to do afterward. The instructor was impressed with how well Belle responded to training and suggested that we give therapy dog work a try,” Lyle said.

For final certification as a Therapy Dog team, Lyle and Belle will do a minimum of three visits to local facilities over the next six months while being observed by Crane or one of her assistant testers.

After final certification, Lyle and Belle will be able to go on regularly scheduled visits by themselves.

All well-behaved dogs, mixed breed or purebred, are welcome to participate in therapy dog work.

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The Atlanta Southside Kennel Club meets the third Monday of each month at the Ryan’s Steakhouse in Riverdale.

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