American Kennel Club. Performance Events Dept – Therapy Dogs. 8051 Arco Corporate Drive. Raleigh, NC 27617. (919) 816-3527. [email protected]. Learn more about the AKC Therapy Dog Program ... Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) ATD is a volunteer-based organization that focuses on providing registration, support, and insurance for therapy dog teams. They emphasize the importance of training and supporting the handler, considering them a volunteer for the organization. ATD works with a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools ...Feb 9, 2024 · Therapy dogs also provide immense emotional companionship and foster a sense of community. “It is so rewarding to affect people’s day for the better,” says Stephanie Keenan, Speech-Language Pathologist and therapy dog team member at the military post in Baumholder, Germany with her Mini Goldendoodle, Finlea. If you would like to become an Associate Member of Therapy Dogs International, please click on the "Getting Started" link in the "Quick Links" section on the left side of the page for more information. Please feel free to let us know if you enjoy our website. We would greatly appreciate your feedback. Wednesday March 6th, 2024. Provide opportunities for therapy dog teams to visit people of all ages in other appropriate, safe settings; Poster by Tylara Clark, NeighborImpact. Becoming a Therapy Dog Team. Read this article from Alliance of Therapy Dogs to learn the difference between a therapy dog, service dog, and an emotional support animal. Do you and your dog have ... Getting Started. Therapy dogs are personal pets who have been trained by their owner and are well mannered and obedient. The dog must maintain an even temperament along with good hygiene. As a team, you and your dog can become the messengers of hope and comfort. If you think you and your dog have what it takes to become a therapy dog, read …Alliance of Therapy Dogs 2021-06-01T11:40:51+00:00 February 3rd, 2021 | Therapy Dogs | Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest Vk Email. Related Posts Pet Therapy For Teens’ Mental Health I ATD Pet Therapy For Teens’ Mental Health I ATDBeau the Therapy Dog, Gainesville, Florida. 835 likes. Beau is a certified Therapy Dog with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Beau loves to visit people and spread his special brand of happiness.Email address. Password. Remember MeSkizziks is a five-year-old rescued Borador (Labrador Retriever and Border Collie mix). He has been involved with FETCH and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs for three years. Skizziks loves frozen Kongs filled with yogurt and peanut butter and loves playing ball with his dog best friend Bandit. Tanner. A member of FETCH and the Allegiance of Therapy ...Alliance of Therapy Dogs - Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas. 89 likes · 2 talking about this. Local ATD group, "an international registry of certified therapy dog teams" who "share smiles & joy."Whether it’s visiting patients in the hospital or students on campus, therapy dogs can provide comfort and joy. If you are not a dog owner but are still interested in volunteering, you can become a supporting ATD member or donate pet items such as blankets or dog food to a local animal shelter in honor of National Dog Day. 2. Spend Time OutdoorsApr 1, 2018 · The dogs registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs visit “airports, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehab facilities, mental health institutions, schools, hospitals, cancer centers, hospice facilities, college campuses and can also provide therapy in patients’ homes.” The possibilities are unlimited, as the dogs and their ... THE ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS | 52 followers on LinkedIn. https://www.therapydogs.comAlliance of Therapy Dogs. · December 6, 2022 ·. If your renewal is due January 1st, this is your reminder that you have less than 25 days to complete your …Therapy dogs. Obviously, not all animals must be registered as an ESA to support one's mental health and those around them. Billie Smith was executive director of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) for 25 years. Since she retired three years ago, she continues to volunteer with the group.All Manassas Therapy Dog teams are certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Dilly, the first MTD therapy dog on a visit. Mission. The purpose of Manassas Therapy Dogs …2023 Alliance of Therapy Dogs® By-Laws Section 9: Officers and directors must annually submit their intent to continue or end their term in writing to the nominating committee chair by April 1. Upon notice of any officer vacancy the nominating committee will immediately notify the board. Any director may request to placeSep 1, 2018 · The Modern Use of Animal Assisted Therapy. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), animal assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities use companion animals such as dogs to provide opportunities for motivation, education, or recreation to improve a person’s quality of life. In such therapies, these animals are an ... Firefighters need Therapy Dogs. In the last days of December 2017, California firefighters were dealing with not only the unrelenting exhaustion of fighting the state’s largest-ever wildfire for weeks without a break, but also trying to cope with the loss of one of their own. Firefighter Cory Iverson, 32, had died two weeks earlier while ...The Alliance of Therapy Dogs does require that participating dogs be clean and well groomed, have trimmed/filed nails, clean teeth, be free of internal and external parasites, have an annual veterinary health exam, including proof of a negative fecal exam and current rabies vaccination.Emily Andrew recommends Alliance of Therapy Dogs. · January 14 at 10:08 AM ·. I saw a review on crypto investment that changed my story for good. I never believed it at first but after much convincing by my account manager in the person of Mrs Craig Vanessa I decided to give it a trial with just $5,000 even though there was a lower cost of ...While head halters are permitted by Alliance of Therapy Dogs, they may be best used as a training tool on your way to working in a flat collar, particularly because some members of the public do not understand that they are not muzzles. Harnesses for Dogs. Harnesses wrap around the dog’s chest and can work nicely for dogs who have throat ...Therapy Dogs In Nursing Homes Therapy dogs in nursing homes can bring uplifting energy and help make a positive impact on the residents, the staff, and families. Therapy Dogs Can Provide Comfort A therapy dog’s calm companionship facilitates a connection that has an effect on residents’ well-being such as reducing intense emotions.Therapy Dogs In Nursing Homes Therapy dogs in nursing homes can bring uplifting energy and help make a positive impact on the residents, the staff, and families. Therapy Dogs Can Provide Comfort A therapy dog’s calm companionship facilitates a connection that has an effect on residents’ well-being such as reducing intense emotions.Learn more about training your dog to become a therapy dog and the Helping Paws program at College for Pets, Plymouth NH (603) 369-4738. ... For instance, schools, where the dogs interact with children, require a background check, as do most hospitals. The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which is the organization where all Helping ...All members of Therapy Dogs of Southern Arizona are members of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), one of the largest and oldest national therapy dog organizations. Once you are registered with ATD, you may visit any facility in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and American Military Bases worldwide that wishes to invite you.May 10, 2023 · Basic therapy dog training consists of activities that improve dog manners, sitting quietly, walking on a loose leash, and socialization. Training also includes developing the bond between you and your dog. This can be accomplished through long walks, games, daily practice sessions, and physical affection. Focusing on rewards, praise, and fun ... Emotional Support Animals, or ESAs, provide therapeutic benefits to specific people with psychological issues like anxiety, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Like other medical solutions, an emotional support animal must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. To get an ESA, the patient in question must be diagnosed ...Obedience Training. Duo Dogs is a national nonprofit organization that trains and connects dogs with people to cultivate positive change in individuals, families, and communities. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Duo Dogs opens the doors to independence by providing Assistance ...Donate Now Alliance of Therapy Dogs 2017-09-17T15:10:40+00:00. Please click the button below to make a donation to the Alliance Of Therapy Dogs. Thank you! Contact Us. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 307-432-0272 Phone: 877-843-7364. FAX: 307-638-2079. Donate Now. Find us on Facebook. Each of our volunteers has trained their dog, had their dog evaluated and then registered and insured with Alliance of Therapy Dogs in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Our dogs help increase emotional well-being, promote healing, and improve the quality of life. Visits from our dogs stimulate conversations and memories for the people we visit. All of the dogs in Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs are registered as therapy dogs with Alliance of Therapy Dogs (formerly known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated). Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a wonderful organization based in Cheyenne, WY. If you would like to learn more about Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we encourage you to visit their website, …Alliance of Therapy Pets, Springfield, Missouri. 1,062 likes · 15 were here. The Alliance of Therapy Pets is a non-profit organization in Springfield, MO.A little over 20 years ago, part of that dream came true. We certified our first ATD (Therapy Dogs Inc. at the time) therapy dog, Majo, a 3-year-old Tosa Ken (Japanese Mastif). She would set the bar high for all our dogs to come. Not only was she a great therapy dog for 10 years, but she was just a great dog.THE ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS | LinkedIn. Hospitals and Health Care. Cheyenne, Wyoming 52 followers. Follow. View all 62 employees. About us. …Specialties: ATD provides registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. We're a network of caring volunteers who are willing to share our special canines to bring smiles and joy to people, young and old alike. Whether you and your dog are …The Dog Alliance is a 501 C 3 nonprofit with a mission to utilize well-trained dogs to improve the lives of individuals and families in our community. The Hounds for Heroes program of the Dog Alliance provides life-changing service dogs for veterans disabled in the line of duty. We guide civilians with disabilities in training their mental ...Panini, Ava, Margie, Cora, Stich, Dora, Mater, Fauna, Mocha, Turbo, Katniss, Nikky and a new Yellow Labrador ranging in ages from 30 months to 7 weeks. We currently have approximately 25 clients who are training their own service dog. Hounds for Heroes dogs-in-training are in the good hands of our puppy raisers.Congratulations. Shirley Way receiving the Alliance of Therapy Dogs 2018 Outstanding Member Award. therapy dogs, prince william county, virginia, manassas, nursing home visits, facility visits, stress relief, volunteer, therapy dog visit, dog visit, virtual therapy dog visit, library, kids read to dogs, dog assisted therapy, hospital visit,A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, ... There are certain steps that are needed for a dog to become certified by a national organization such as The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, e.g., ...Animal Angels Therapy Center is a one of its kind facility in India, which provides training, consultancy and intervention programs in the area of human-animal interaction. It’s a …Specialties: ATD provides registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. We're a network of caring volunteers who are willing to share our special canines to bring smiles and joy to people, young and old alike. Whether you and your dog are …6,229 Followers, 101 Following, 696 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Alliance of Therapy Dogs (@allianceoftherapydogs)The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization whose main goal to provide the best therapy dogs for people in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, … Welcome Waggers is a local volunteer therapy dog group in Oregon, serving Corvallis and the surrounding areas. We are all registered members of the national organization, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ATD (previously known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated®). Our member teams visit retirement homes, assisted living and memory care facilities ... While head halters are permitted by Alliance of Therapy Dogs, they may be best used as a training tool on your way to working in a flat collar, particularly because some members of the public do not understand that they are not muzzles. Harnesses for Dogs. Harnesses wrap around the dog’s chest and can work nicely for dogs who have throat ...At Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we provide liability insurance. This policy is in place to help protect you from claims from others for injury, illness, and property damage from therapeutic visits with your dog. #3. You Can Strengthen the Bond With Your Dog. Volunteering with your dog can strengthen the bond you and your canine pal already have.Tyler Hunter, Corporal for the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland, is an Alliance of Therapy Dogs member and a strong advocate of therapy dogs for first responders. Hunter is assigned to the police department’s Psychological Services Division. With his certified therapy dog Pete, a 4-year-old, French Brittany at his side ...Homepage - Kiernanskindness.org. We are a nonprofit (501c3) organization based in Tucson, Arizona. Kiernan’s Kindness was founded in January 2018 through the charitable donations of many throughout Southern Arizona. All of our pet therapy teams are registered through either Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.The Dog Alliance is a 501 C 3 nonprofit with a mission to utilize well-trained dogs to improve the lives of individuals and families in our community. The Hounds for Heroes program of the Dog Alliance provides life-changing service dogs for veterans disabled in the line of duty. We guide civilians with disabilities in training their mental ...Alliance of Therapy Dogs is one such organization that is committed to helping dog owners certified therapy dog teams. They provide training, testing, certification, insurance, and ongoing support services to those willing to volunteer with their dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, nursing homes, airports, schools, libraries, courtrooms, and other facilities.Homepage - Kiernanskindness.org. We are a nonprofit (501c3) organization based in Tucson, Arizona. Kiernan’s Kindness was founded in January 2018 through the charitable donations of many throughout Southern Arizona. All of our pet therapy teams are registered through either Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.The Wexner Medical Center launched Buckeye Paws, an innovative animal-assisted therapy program, on March 6, 2020. Targeted specifically to help improve staff, faculty and student resilience, certified therapy dogs visit to provide comfort and emotional support. An expansion into The Ohio State University was launched on March 7, 2022.Alliance of Therapy Dogs. October 22, 2019 ·. Our cadre of tester/observers are the greatest asset ATD has. T/Os are model teams, they work hard to recruit, test, and mentor prospective teams, volunteer their time on observations, and offer words of encouragement, consolation, and congratulations to all prospective ATD teams.Alliance of Therapy Dogs. We all know the healing benefits dogs provide and The Alliance of Therapy Dogs takes it a step further. This volunteer organization sends registered …All members of Therapy Dogs of Southern Arizona are members of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), one of the largest and oldest national therapy dog organizations. Once you are registered with ATD, you may visit any facility in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and American Military Bases worldwide that wishes to invite you.6,229 Followers, 101 Following, 696 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Alliance of Therapy Dogs (@allianceoftherapydogs)Welcome Waggers is a local volunteer therapy dog group in Oregon, serving Corvallis and the surrounding areas. We are all registered members of the national organization, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ATD (previously known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated®). Our member teams visit retirement homes, assisted living and memory care facilities ...The founder, Shirley Way, and her Pembroke Welsh Corgi “Dilly”, composed the first therapy dog team in our local area. Since those humble beginnings, Manassas Therapy Dogs has grown to over 50 dog teams and serve the Manassas area and beyond. All Manassas Therapy Dog teams are certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.Firefighters need Therapy Dogs. In the last days of December 2017, California firefighters were dealing with not only the unrelenting exhaustion of fighting the state’s largest-ever wildfire for weeks without a break, but also trying to cope with the loss of one of their own. Firefighter Cory Iverson, 32, had died two weeks earlier while ...Feb 9, 2024 · Therapy dogs also provide immense emotional companionship and foster a sense of community. “It is so rewarding to affect people’s day for the better,” says Stephanie Keenan, Speech-Language Pathologist and therapy dog team member at the military post in Baumholder, Germany with her Mini Goldendoodle, Finlea. New Alliance of Therapy Dogs Member Portal The ATD board and staff are excited to share we are upgrading our office technology and member portal. What...Dec 6, 2017 · The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, the international renown therapy dog organization, discusses gift ideas for your dog this holiday season. As the renowned therapy dog organization in the United States, The Alliance of Therapy Dogs knows that if you are a dog owner, you are most probably including your pup in the holiday festivities. Canidae is on a mission to bring goodness to pets, our planet, and people. As part of this mission, Canidae has formed a partnership with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs to support the great work they are doing to certify therapy dog teams, and share the healing nature of the human/pet connection. As part of this initiative, Canidae has pledged ...May 10, 2023 · At Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we make sure our certified dogs undergo a handling assessment and three observations to be better prepared to handle engaging engage with senior citizens and their mobility aids (such as wheelchairs and wheeled walkers). Our therapy dog teams are also covered by insurance in the unlikely event someone gets hurt. THE ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS | LinkedIn. Hospitals and Health Care. Cheyenne, Wyoming 52 followers. Follow. View all 62 employees. About us. …Dec 1, 2018 · Therapy dogs are specially trained by their owners to help stressed-out people feel relief from their problems or anxieties — at least temporarily. Research by UCLA Health confirmed that interaction with therapy dogs provides both mental and physical health benefits, including: The release of hormones that play a part in elevating moods. Мы хотели бы показать здесь описание, но сайт, который вы просматриваете, этого не позволяет.Feb 25, 2018 · Often dogs will follow their owners if their bond is paired over time with a great deal of reinforcement. For example, if a dog learns that good things, such as food, pats, and fun activities come from a particular person, they may be more likely to follow that person. Breed traits. Some breeds, especially those that have been bred for ... 2012 – Teri Meadows retired, and Jane Hirsch became the third Therapy Dogs Inc. president. 2013 – Online renewal process and Member Portal launched. 2015 – Therapy Dogs Inc. changed its name to Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Alliance of Therapy Dogs membership grew to approximately 15,000 members.The VOSD SANCTUARY ™ is the w orld’s largest no-kill dog sanctuary with a world-class residential hospital that has helped 8,000+ critically injured and abandoned dogs. VOSD …Apr 5, 2023 · At Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we offer free therapy dog home visits to individuals who are elderly, lonely, bedridden, and handicapped. We want to help brighten someone’s day with our therapy pups. If you’re considering arranging a free therapy dog home visit, here’s what you need to know. 6,229 Followers, 101 Following, 696 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Alliance of Therapy Dogs (@allianceoftherapydogs)At Alliance of Therapy Dogs, our registered dogs have to be up to date on vaccines and have a negative fecal exam every 12 months to ensure they are healthy enough to comfort others. They must pass a therapy dog certification by performing exercises and following the ATD Rules and Regulations. ... The Wexner Medical Center launched Buckeye Paws, an innovative animal-assisted therapy program, on March 6, 2020. Targeted specifically to help improve staff, faculty and student resilience, certified therapy dogs visit to provide comfort and emotional support. An expansion into The Ohio State University was launched on March 7, 2022. Therapy Dogs are defined as a pet dog that is trained specifically to provide comfort and love to community groups like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Therapy dogs do NOT support a specific person. Handlers are certified as a team with their dog to ensure the dog acts safely and under control while visiting vulnerable populations such as those in hospitals, nursing homes, …The Wexner Medical Center launched Buckeye Paws, an innovative animal-assisted therapy program, on March 6, 2020. Targeted specifically to help improve staff, faculty and student resilience, certified therapy dogs visit to provide comfort and emotional support. An expansion into The Ohio State University was launched on March 7, 2022.Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 35,008 likes · 326 talking about this. Sharing special dogs in a volunteer capacity with others in need....Aug 1, 2018 · The simple act of petting a dog has been proven to provide a human with multiple mental and physical health benefits. When human pets and animals, hormones such as serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, which play a role in elevating moods, are released in the brain. Animal-assisted therapy also lowers anxiety to help patients relax, provides ... Upcoming Spring 2024 Dates: • April 18. • Finals Week Monday, April 29: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Volunteers with Alliance of Therapy Dogs are bringing their loveable dogs back to the Centennial Student Union as Hound Hugs & Kanine Kisses returns! Monthly sessions are from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. in the CSU Hearth Lounge.Sep 1, 2018 · The Modern Use of Animal Assisted Therapy. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), animal assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities use companion animals such as dogs to provide opportunities for motivation, education, or recreation to improve a person’s quality of life. In such therapies, these animals are an ... Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a national charity where visiting volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to provide comfort, distraction, and stimulation. Our volunteers have the unique privilege of volunteering with their own temperament tested Therapy Dogs; some with over 10 years of experience and always focused on benefiting people in the community.
If you have questions, please contact the Alliance of Therapy Dogs office. P.O. Box 20227 Cheyenne, WY 82003 Fax: 1-307-638-2079 Email: [email protected] www.therapydogs.com. Author: Hirsch Created Date:. Greenbeat
Welcome Waggers is a local volunteer therapy dog group in Oregon, serving Corvallis and the surrounding areas. We are all registered members of the national organization, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ATD (previously known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated®). Our member teams visit retirement homes, assisted living and memory care facilities ... Welcome Waggers is a local volunteer therapy dog group in Oregon, serving Corvallis and the surrounding areas. We are all registered members of the national organization, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ATD (previously known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated®). Our member teams visit retirement homes, assisted living and memory care facilities ... Dec 1, 2018 · Therapy dogs are specially trained by their owners to help stressed-out people feel relief from their problems or anxieties — at least temporarily. Research by UCLA Health confirmed that interaction with therapy dogs provides both mental and physical health benefits, including: The release of hormones that play a part in elevating moods. Feb 9, 2024 · Therapy dogs also provide immense emotional companionship and foster a sense of community. “It is so rewarding to affect people’s day for the better,” says Stephanie Keenan, Speech-Language Pathologist and therapy dog team member at the military post in Baumholder, Germany with her Mini Goldendoodle, Finlea. Email address. Password. Remember Me Getting Started. Therapy dogs are personal pets who have been trained by their owner and are well mannered and obedient. The dog must maintain an even temperament along with good hygiene. As a team, you and your dog can become the messengers of hope and comfort. If you think you and your dog have what it takes to become a therapy dog, read …The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization whose main goal to provide the best therapy dogs for people in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, …Did You Know? A common question the office receives is how to log a therapy dog visit. Here is a simple video on how to log your visits. Logging visits can help Alliance of Therapy Dogs in a variety of ways. Did you know we can use this data when we apply for grants to show all the good things our teams are doing on a volunteer basis?All of the dogs in Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs are registered as therapy dogs with Alliance of Therapy Dogs (formerly known as Therapy Dogs Incorporated). Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a wonderful organization based in Cheyenne, WY. If you would like to learn more about Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we encourage you to visit their website, …Getting Started. Therapy dogs are personal pets who have been trained by their owner and are well mannered and obedient. The dog must maintain an even temperament along with good hygiene. As a team, you and your dog can become the messengers of hope and comfort. If you think you and your dog have what it takes to become a therapy dog, read …Would you like for Coastal Therapy Dogs to pay a special visit? Please fill out the form below and we will contact you. * Indicates required field. Name * First. Last. Email * Phone Number * Patient Name * First. Last. Visit Location/Room Number * Location Address * Line 1. Line 2. City. State. Zip Code. Country.To find a Volunteer Tester/Observer in your area, enter your zip code in the box below and click the Search button. The list will display the 15 Volunteer Tester/Observers closest to you. Contact a Volunteer Tester/Observer on the list to schedule a time to go through the registration process. They are volunteers and it can take a few days for ... Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a national therapy dog organization that provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with dogs to visit hospitals ... Auburn Therapy Dogs. 249 likes. We are a local group of therapy dog teams all certified by the Alliance of Therapy DogsAlliance of Therapy Dogs Las Vegas NV. 4 likes. Volunteer therapy dogs for other people to help their welfareDogs must be at least one year old to become a therapy dog. Step 2: A tester/observer in your area test you and your dog. This test includes a handling portion that tests your dog’s basic good manners, demeanor, and handling skills. Step 3: After the handling portion of the test, you and your dog are supervised by a tester/observer during ...Kindly Canines Therapy Dogs, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. 122 likes. This organization is an all-volunteer group of certified/registered handlers and their therapy dogs..