Adopted as a puppy from TCRAS, Baylee is a Red Heeler mix, 2 years old and is now a certified therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). She was evaluated by an ATD Tester/Observer (T/O) to make sure that we have a good relationship and that Baylee has the right temperament for therapy dog work. After this the TO monitored us during three visits to various facilities. She passed!
On their website, ATD states that a certified therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. Baylee has all of these attributes. She enjoys human contact and likes to be petted and to perform tricks like rolling over. She is starting her career at Forest Ridge, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Woodland Park.
ADT has been in existence for 30 years. They provide testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members. This is an all-volunteer organization. Their registration is very affordable. For $30 a year (plus an initial one-time $15 new member fee), a team can be registered with ATD and covered by their insurance in order to share in the mission of sharing smiles and joy with their dog.