Meet Inara! She's a 4 year old, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Therapy Dog, in Cleveland, Ohio.
She took the time out of her busy training schedule to answer some questions about what it's like to live the life of an APBT CGC (That's short for American Pit Bull Terrier Canine Good Citizen...)
Tell us a bit about what Therapy dogs do, and what it takes to be a therapy dog team?
We are dogs that have gotten special training so we can go into nursing homes, hospitals and other places to get lots of love from people who may not be able to get out into the community that much. We visit, listen to stories, give kisses (after Mom asks permission!) and just provide some physical comfort. Any dog that loves people and doesn't get worried about medical equipment would be a candidate. You don't have to be a super mellow dog either - I'm pretty crazy most of the time but as soon as we walk into a nursing home or other facility I settle down a whole lot. I know my job.
What certifications or titles do you have?
I have my Therapy Dog certificate from Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. I also have my AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and I passed the American Temperament Testing Society's Test for their certificate, as well. So my full name is Inara CGC, TD, TT. But that's a mouthful. Mom says I'm also a certified pain in the bum, but she's kidding. I think.
What was the hardest part of the CGC training for you?
Learning that I can't jump on everybody to say hello. As an American Pit Bull Terrier, I LOVE people and want to give full-contact greetings, but Mom says I can't do that. She says I may accidentally hurt or scare somebody. So I'm learning that I should sit or down when saying hello. It's hard though and will always be a struggle for me!
Explain a little bit about why you’re having trouble finding a place to volunteer?
I'm an American Pit Bull Terrier, you know, one of those "vicious" dogs. Here in Ohio I'm automaticallyconsidered vicious even though I've never hurt anybody. When Mom is calling around trying to find us a place to volunteer she says I'm just a Terrier mix, but when they see me, they know, and we don't get invited back. It makes me mad and sad because I really want to help people, and everybody I've gotten to visit with loves me, but people won't give me a chance. Unfortunately, bad owners have ruined it for the good owners like my Mom, and she and I are the ones getting punished. It's not fair.
What would be your ideal Therapy job?
I would LOVE to get into a long-term children's ward at a hospital - a burn unit or cancer wing. I know it would be hard, but kids really love me and I want to make them smile. I like acting silly around them and making them laugh. They probably don't laugh a whole lot in those wings. They need me and it would make me happy.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working or training?
I'm a certified couch potato. Though I do occasionally get the zoomies and go tearing around the house like my bum is on fire. But mostly I just want to be wherever Mom is, cuddling or playing with her. Or chasing the cat. It's a toss-up.
What would you like to say to anyone considering getting into Therapy work?
Have fun with it! It doesn't hurt to take some classes and try. The classes can be kinda scary when they're banging walkers or crutches around, or rolling close to your tail with a wheelchair, but it's worth it. Trust your Mom or Dad to keep you safe. And don't jump on people!
Thank you to Inara and her mom, Liz W. for all of your dedication. For more on Inara's story, visit her blog: Pit Bulls Make the World Go Round: Living with and loving a pit bull.
