BELLE
DOGS TO
THE RESCUE
With the help of a dedicated group of people Puerto Rico Therapy Dogs are dogs that frequently visit hospital, schools , retirement homes and other places bringing joy to many in need. These pets bring happiness and sunshine to the sick, the elderly and children facing reading challenges thru their paws for reading program. During a recent interview with Mr. Ivan Santiago Luhring Director and visit coordinator at PRTD we learned that this non-for profit organization was created seven years ago by Sheyla Gutierrez. Ms. Gutierrez has been a dog trainer and in her quest to do more with them she traveled to Florida where she studied Canine Therapy in hospitals at Therapy Dogs, Inc.
After becoming a tester/observer at this organization Ms Gutierrez decided to return to Puerto Rico and put into practice all of the rewarding learning skills she had learned by creating PRTD.
For personal reasons Ms Gutierrez was not able to continue providing the services therefore she passed down the responsibilities to Mr. Ivan Santiago Luhring. Like Ms Gutierez, Mr. Santiago a Dentist who is now dedicated his time to this cause went thru the protocol process becoming himself a tester/observer and today is the director and coordinator of such admirable organization. Puerto Rico Therapy Dogs and their volunteers operate seven days a week paying visit to to schools, hospital, retirement homes and they organize many special visits. The organization has some 80 dogs registered and about 30 active on a constant basis. For those desiring to have their dogs become Therapy Dogs must know that the dogs must be evaluated for their temper. They must be friendly and they must be allowed to be touched in their ears , paws, tail by other people. They must be tested in situations to determine their reaction in any given situation. Once a series of test visit are conducted and they prove to be good candidates PRTD formulates all the proper documentation which is sent to Therapy Dogs, Inc. so they are officially registered as Therapy Dogs. Upon obtaining their DIPLOMA the owners can independently visit those in need or become part of PRTD. Puerto Rico Therapy Dogs is pleased with the outpoured support of their some 80 volunteers that on a regular basis come forward to make it all happen.
PRTD is ruled by Therapy Dog, Inc and volunteers are required to portrait themselves in a professional and responsible manner at al times while being attentive to their dogs and be respectful of each others.space.