Edward Hospital seeks new dogs for Animal-Assisted Therapy program

Above / Edward-Elmhurst Health is seeking new dog/handler teams for its Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program at Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Hospital. Pictured above are Rebecca Pruim of Naperville and Roxie, a Rat Terrier, an AAT dog/handler team since 2011. (Photo courtesy Keith Hartenberger for Edward)

Simply put, Edward Hospital is seeking more dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program.

To be considered, complete an online application at www.eehealth.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/animal-assisted-therapy. Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.

Temperament training is April 3 or April 4, 2019

Individuals and dogs who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on Wednesday or Thursday, April 3 or 4, within a two-hour time slot between 4-9PM at the Edward Sleep Center, 27555 Diehl Rd. in Warrenville.

For more information, call Cynthia Brooks at (630) 527-5305 or email cynthia.brooks@eehealth.org.

To be considered, dogs must meet the following requirements:

 Sit/down/stay/recall/leave it on command
 Walk loosely on a leash without pulling
 Get along well with other dogs
 Perform required commands without treats
 Like people
 Not be overly vocal
 Be at least one year of age at time of testing
 Lived with you for at least six months at time of testing
 Current on all vaccinations
 Free of skin problems
 Prong collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and retractable leashes are not accepted
 Handlers must be 18 years of age or older

Handlers and their dogs are encouraged to have completed a group obedience training class within the
past year.

Very Brief History since 2002

Edward’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program began in 2002 with 15 teams. Today, there are nearly 70
dog/handler teams. Teams have made more than 200,000 patient visits since the program started.

Story submitted by Keith Hartenberger, System Director, Public Relations, Edward-Elmhurst Health, for Cynthia Brooks.

RELATED PN POSTS with PHOTOS / Search “Animal-Assisted.” Note also the story updated this week about a Naperville teen who wrote an award-winning story about her experiences with animal-assisted therapy. Daly Dodsworth was recognized in New York City during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!