Tanya says her special needs Therapy Dog Boone provides unique opportunities to connect with children with special needs.
In this 32nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Tanya Diable and her amazing special needs rescue dog, Boone. We talk about their inspiring adventures together and the wonderful friendship they’ve created while volunteering with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. We also discuss Tanya’s non-profit, Joey’s Paw, which helps disabled dogs by giving them wheelchairs and prosthetics.
Tanya tells the story of how Boone became a part of her family and how she knew right away that he would be an awesome Therapy Dog. Boone’s wheelchair not only helps him move around, but it also creates special chances for him to connect with kids who have special needs and people who are scared of dogs.
We talk about Boone’s volunteer work at schools and the Pittsburgh Airport, and the happiness he brings to everyone he meets. We also chat about the special training and therapy pet evaluations needed for Boone’s unique situation, and how he helps people who are usually scared of dogs feel more comfortable.
Tanya gives important advice about getting to know your dog before starting Therapy Dog work, making sure they’re happy and relaxed in the role.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired by Tanya and Boone’s amazing story and learn more about the strong bonds between people and Therapy Dogs, especially those with special needs.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Tanya knew that Boone would enjoy volunteering as a Therapy Dog.
- What inspired Tanya to found her non-profit Joey’s Paw and how they’ve helped over 1,000 other dogs.
- How Boone’s wheelchair allows them to reach children with special needs as well people who are afraid of dogs.
Key moments you won’t want to miss:
- [00:49] Tanya tells the touching story of getting Boone and how she knew he’d make a great Therapy Dog.
- [01:37] We learn about Boone’s volunteer work at schools and the Pittsburgh Airport.
- [01:58] Boone’s love for helping kids and the special way he connects with them, like having his own desk at schools.
- [02:32] Boone’s wheelchair helps create new chances for him to bond with kids who have special needs.
- [03:24] We learn about Tanya’s non-profit, Joey’s Paw, which helps disabled dogs get wheelchairs and prosthetics.
- [04:14] Tanya talks about how her first special needs rescue, Joey, inspired her to help other disabled dogs.
- [05:10] Figuring out how to change training and therapy pet evaluations for Boone’s unique situation.
- [06:00] Boone brings lots of joy and happiness to everyone he meets during his volunteer work.
- [06:54] Boone has a special effect on people who are usually scared of dogs, helping them feel more comfortable.
- [09:19] Tanya shares important advice about knowing your dog before starting Therapy Dog work, making sure they’re happy doing it.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
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