Pet Therapy Therapy pups lift spirits at Greeley Healthcare Center 2006 Stillwater Gazette Article  ~ Makana Nani, CGC, CD, CDX, TDIAOV Touche’s Silversord, CD Touche’s Moonless Night Bred by Francis M kauhane & Marilyn Beardsley Honolulu , HI

Nani got off the plane from Honolulu at 12 weeks old and went directly to the Nursing Home where I worked. She “grew up” with the residents and staff at the nursing home and was a “natural”.

Nani is certified (through a training and testing process) by the Therapy Dogs International, which is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed. The primary objective for the dog and the handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Nani is able to promote healing and improve the qulity of life for the people she visis and also the staff that care for these people. Nani loves to make people smile and she gets plenty of those smiles with each visit she makes.

Nani received her TDI-AOV in 2005

The Certificate of Achievement of TDIAOV signifies the completion of 150 therapy visits. This Certificate of Achievement is awarded by the Therapy Dogs International, Inc. The letter from the Therapy Dogs International,, Inc. reads--- “Congratulations! You and Nani are OUTSTANDING ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS. Your dedication and humanity in sharing yourself and your dog with others is very rare and and beautiful. Therapy Dogs International, In c. is honored to commend you with our most prestigious award, the Therapy Dogs International Outstanding Active Volunteer –TDIAOV award.

Nani is part of the Regions Hospital Pet Therapy Program as well as going to Greeley Healthcare, Stillwater , MN , three times a week, where she holds the Title of DIRECTOR OF PET THERAPY.

There aren’t enough words that could describe the joy that Nani brings to patients and staff. Through her visits many emotional needs are met, which are a great, great benefit to all involved. She is an incredible dog.

Click on any image below for an enlarged view. Additional Therapy Photos can be viewed on the Photo Gallery.
Puppies go to Greeley Heathcare at 3 weeks old - the residents adored them.