Green Acres Kennel Shop to host a TDI test

[Bangor]—Green Acres Kennel Shop will host a Therapy Dogs International (TDI) therapy dog and handler test from 9AM until 3PM on Saturday May 19th, 2007. The rain date for the test is Sunday, May 20th, 2007.

There are a limited amount of test slots available, so advance registration is suggested. To register, contact Green Acres at 945-6841.

TDI Therapy Dogs and their handlers, when invited, may visit hospitals, nursing homes and other places to provide people with the opportunity to interact with a furry goodwill ambassador. The simple act of stroking a dog can be very therapeutic and can bring great joy to people who no longer have a dog.

A TDI Therapy Dog is not a service or assistance dog and does not have the same rights to access as people with disabilities and their service/assistance animals.

The TDI test will evaluate the dog and handler and how well they work together. The dog must be at least one year of age. There is no minimum age for handlers, but handlers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on visitations and the registration form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

• TDI will not register any dog that has bitten a human being
• TDI will not register potential applicants who have their dogs registered with any type of Therapy Dogrelated program or organization other than TDI.
• TDI will not test or register deaf dogs.
• During the test you are responsible for your dogs’ action. TDI’s insurance will not cover unregistered dogs.
• Applicants who wish to visit with more than one dog at the same time must be tested by a TDI evaluator with all those dogs together.

For more information on Therapy Dogs, click on the “Therapy Dog” at the Green Acres web site,
www.greenacreskennel.com.