Boomer – meant to be a Therapy Dog!

by Kathleen Taylor

Boomer is a five year old German Rottie that we’ve had since he was a tiny little pup. When we first got Boomer, we noticed there was something different about him. He was always quick to pickup on commands and he was docile and gentle with everyone that he met, whether it be adults or children. Because of his demeanour, we decided to put Boomer into training classes at Best Friends. We started off with puppy training and since he excelled at everything we did or taught him, we decided to test him to become a Therapy Dog.

Truth be told, there was another reason why we chose to assess Boomer as a Therapy Dog. My husband and I often went to Black Rapids with Boomer, an activity that we all enjoyed very much. One day, we were getting out of our van and we noticed another van beside us that was a handicap vehicle. As we let Boomer out of the van, he immediately went to the gentlemen in the wheelchair beside us and just stood beside him. Boomer never left the gentlemen's wheelchair until we gave him the command to come with us. As we proceeded down the hill with our items, Boomer was very curious as to where the gentlemen was going and kept looking behind us as if to keep an eye on this person. When we were all settled the gentlemen's wife asked us if we would come over once again with Boomer as the gentlemen wanted to see him again. Boomer came over with us and sat beside the man and laid his head on his lap, but the man could not move as he was completely paralysed. As a tear came down his face – and that’s when we knew: Boomer was meant to be a Therapy Dog!

Boomer is now a Therapy Dog at Madonna’s nursing and has been doing so for almost a year. He has charmed everyone there and, needless to say, my angel has won the hearts of them all. When his dad Dwight enters every Monday night, Boomer is eager, willing and ready (sunglasses and all) to leave to go do his work. As he gets ready to leave, he gives a wave of paw and says good night (woof, woof!) to all.