We adopted Harley, a 3 year old terrier mix, on December 23, 2008.  Harley went to our vet and has a clean bill of health.  He also went to the grooming salon and has a new puppy cut.

Harley is adorable, cuddly, loves his walks and all his toys.  He is
friendly with everyone and is a happy little guy.  Here's a picture of Harley in his bed.

He goes to work at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre with Chris and is a therapy dog for all the staff and patients of the Geriatric Day Hospital Program.

He has an excellent temperament and has adapted very well to his new life.  He will be starting obedience school next week so that he can eventually be a registered therapy dog.

Thanks to all of you and also to his former parents who trained Harley to be the best dog one could ever ask for.  Many thanks to Jennifer and all the staff at the shelter for making this adoption happen.  We are a happy family.

Chris, Kim and Harley

Update June '11 ...

(Written by Christiane, who is a Recreation Therapist at the ROMHC Geriatric Day Hospital Program.)

A dream comes true ...

HARLEY 

My Therapy Dog 

In the 1990’s, I met Marilyn Benoit, the founder of Ottawa Therapy Dogs.  At that time she was going through an evaluation test with her own dog, Ruby. The Ottawa Therapy Dogs organization didn’t exist in those days and we both wanted to have our dogs trained as therapy dogs so they could be part of a health care team.  Ruby, her black lab, passed with A+ but unfortunately I had a Siberian Husky, Shelby, who didn’t have the qualities to become a therapy dog.  Marilyn reassured me that one day I would have a dog with the right temperament. 

Fifteen years later, December 23rd, Harley, a 3 year old mix Yorkie/Schnauzer was waiting for me at the Aylmer SPCA.  The minute I laid eyes on Harley I knew he was the one for me.  I had pre-approval from my Manager that I could bring my dog to work and this made my decision quite easy and he came home with me that night.  Since then, Harley has gone to obedience school, complied with ROMHC policies, has completed OTD evaluation and became an official therapy dog. 

I will never forget the day that Carol Eldrige, who was my mentor with her therapy dog, Pandaru, announced to the group of patients that Harley had officially passed all of the requirements to be a therapy dog.  Pandaru, with the help of Carol, gave Harley his official OTD red scarf and this picture says it all.  Patients were so happy and applauded in honor of Harley’s accomplishments.  Needless to say, I had tears in my eyes - that day my dream came true …

“You were right, Marilyn; I wish I could share this special moment with you.” 

ROMHC has become a second home for Harley.  He comes to work almost every day and some clients even call him the mascot of the ROMHC.  He is known throughout the Mental Health Centre but his work is in the Geriatric Day Hospital.  As soon as we arrive in the morning he puts a smile on everyone’s face.  His happy demeanor makes it easy for anyone to love him.  He enjoys socializing with the staff before starting his work day; going from one office to the other making sure everyone has their therapy and is ready to start their day with a smile.  He loves to have his belly rubbed and cannot get enough of it. 

During his work time, you will see Harley greeting the patients as they arrive in the morning.  You can see smiles on faces that you would have never seen without a “Harley”.  He sometimes helps calm someone experiencing high anxiety by lying on their lap or beside them for as long as 30 minutes.

He is always present at Kardex when we discuss patients and is part of the team when family meetings are held.  During the day he participates in groups, bringing a calm effect on our clients.  Sometimes he can be found in the Physio area helping a patient with their exercises.  His personality is one that cannot be described.  He is happy all the time, understands what you are telling him by nodding and moving his head from side to side.  He brings forth so many smiles.  

One day a patient told me that she looked around the exercise class and everyone had long sad faces but as soon as Harley walked in the room, smiles came to almost everyone. 

At times, Harley helps the Psychiatrists when they need to speak to someone.  He calms the person and a better rapport is established between the patient and the Doctor.  The Doctors often refer to Harley as a perfect prescription/ treatment for some of their patients. 

Harley will be retiring from his full-time work as of August 1st but will return to work on a weekly basis as a volunteer in the Geriatric Day Hospital Program.  Harley and I have met so many people and have been fortunate to share our happiness and love with others who don’t have a “Harley” to brighten their day and their lives. 

“Dream and it will come true” 

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