Well, we passed our test and then I got busy. I know…it is an excuse, but really!! We sold our house, bought a new one, moved, unpacked (sort of), the holidays hit, I joined a gym, family came in town and filling out the necessary registration paper work was put on the back burner. I knew I needed to get it done so I was reading it over and realized that if they don’t receive your registration packet within 90 days of you passing your test then you have to re-take the test!! So, that lit a fire under me and I got it done ASAP since 90 days from our test is on January 28, 2012! This morning I put the packet in the mail to make its way to Bellevue, Washington. It should take 2-3 weeks for them to process all of the paper work, and then they will send me my completion letter and a badge. Once I receive that I’m free to start visiting and it’s up to me where and when. I can call places on my own, see if they accept Pet Partner teams and set up a visit.
Deciding where I want to visit will be my next big step and guess what?!? I’m nervous! Well, nervous and excited. I want to find a good fit for us when we are just starting out so we can ease into it or rather I can ease into it. Is a nursing home to risky or just right? I don’t know! Is a library program a good fit or is Georgia not to the point where she could hold still for that long while a child reads to her? Are there any local hospitals that will allow us to visit patients? I already know a local hospital that won’t allow us, because they only allow a certain breed of dog – not fair! I think I’d really like to visit a hospital, but that may not work out and a nursing home may be the next best thing. So, does anyone have any suggestions? Have you been to a place where you’ve seen other therapy dogs? If so, let me know and that may be something I look into.
That’s it for now, I’ll let you know once we’ve received our letter and badge, and then the visiting can start!! Also, happy new year! Hoping we all have a wonderful, peaceful & healthy 2012!!
