Pet of the week Joey

Joey is this week's pet. He is a trained service and therapy dog.

As a trained therapy dog, Joey is able to go to nursing homes.  What are some of the benefits of petting dogs?
Here are four:
1. Reduces blood pressure
2. Reduces anxiety
3. Boosts relaxation chemical in your brain (serotonin)
4. Reduces the stress chemical (cortisol)

We met Joey and his owners in Vermont at Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor.

If Joey could talk, " What do you think he might say? "

Rudy

Rudy was born in Portland, Oregon on
November 8, 2006.

Look at Rudy's business card

Rudy is a Pomeranian and a Certified Therapy Dog. I met Rudy and her handler/owner at a local hospital. 
Over the years, I have worked to be respectful to the owners of therapy or comfort dogs. Here are some guidelines that might be helpful when you encounter a service dog when they are working.

1. Speak to the person first. Do distract or make noises to the dog.
2. Do not touch the dog without asking or receiving permission 
3. Do not offer food or treats to dog.
4. Do not ask personal questions.
5. Don't be offended if the handler does not want to chat. *
*Source Service Dog Manners from the web

Special thanks for the owner for being so gracious in posing for this week's picture.