Therapetics Reaches Out and Touches Lives
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
RAISING AWARENESS: Exec-utive Director Sandy Willmann, Puppy Raiser Stacey Ludlow and Board President Jennifer Richard pause with a Black Labrador named Henry during a recent celebration and silent auction at the historic Dresser Mansion.
Therapetics, a non-profit organization in Tulsa, has trained and matched over 40 service dogs with those with physical disabilities throughout the state since its establishment in 1992.
The organization relies heavily on the help of volunteers who become puppy raisers, puppy sitters, help with events and conduct demos to educate the community, and on donations from corporations, foundations and individuals.
Those who choose to become puppy raisers, have the opportunity to work closely with dogs in the organization. These individuals are paired with a puppy to care for and reinforce training until they are placed as a service dog. The puppies live with the volunteer and become a temporary member of their family.
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have characteristics that make them ideal breeds for the organization to train. Board President Jennifer Richard explains that both of the breeds have the natural instinct to retrieve, which is emphasized and encouraged during training.
Professional trainers meet with puppy raisers twice a week. “Our trainers are excellent and we have the chance to learn right along with the dogs,” explains Joe Genet, a volunteer raising a five-month old Golden Retriever named Wrangler.
Through positive reinforcement, the dogs learn obedience and Therapetics skills which may include providing balance, opening and closing doors, pulling a wheelchair, turning on and off lights and retrieving fallen objects. Puppies begin training when they are 8 weeks old and normally master all of the skills in 18 months to two years.
Socialization is one of the most important aspects of training since service dogs become members of the community. Puppy raiser Leanne Gross explains, “The dogs go to stores, restaurants, work, meetings, movies and events.”
Volunteers of all ages have enjoyed becoming involved in the organization. Rachel Dow, only 13 years old, has been training a Labrador named Porthos with the help of her family. Last year, Dow’s dedication as a puppy raiser was obvious when she brought Porthos with her to summer camp. The two had a great time together and set aside time each day for training.
Once ready, dogs are paired with an individual at no cost. Most often, adds Sandy, there is an instant bond between them and the dog seems to know that they are there not only to be welcomed in as a new family member, but also to help the individual in tasks that may have once seemed impossible.
Therapetics is located at 9433 E. 51st St. To learn more, call (918) 270-4226 or visit www.therapetics.org.
Updated 02-11-2010
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