Jean-Luc and Pam, You asked about therapy visits..... We begin our regular R.E.A.D. ( reading education assistance dog) rotation at the Springfield Library in a couple of weeks. for now we are filling in.

Here are pictures taken with Hatsch and a reader a couple of weeks ago. He loves the girls! We were on a therapy visit before Christmas at a Nursing Home in Eugene. This was a challenging venue for Hatsch with very strong smells, small rooms, and very warms temperatures. We were in the main living room visiting with residents when a nurse asked our coordinator if she could have a 'large dog that will lick' for an elderly man who was bedridden in a back bedroom.

The gentleman had come to the point where he was ready to die. He no longer interacts with other residents, refuses food and meds, and is on multiple IVs for liquid, meds, and urine. Hatsch and I were summoned. I positioned Hatsch close to the bed with his muzzle near the man's head. The man turned to face Hatsch nose to nose. Hatsch gave him a good face (and ear) washing and the man began to laugh. I asked him if we should stop. Through his laughs he said 'No, No, don't stop'. It was so moving - lots of tears in the room to watch the 'therapy' in action. The nurse invited us back everyday that we can come. I had no idea animal assisted therapy work could be this rewarding. If you ever need a testimonial for temperament, Hatsch is your guy! Thanks again for sending him to us.

Bev Coplin and Baron 'Hatsch' du Chenil Belge