Edward-Elmhurst, now part of Endeavor Health, is seeking additional dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital. To be considered, visit www.eehealth.org and complete the online application. Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.
Individuals who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on one of the following days – Fri., Jan. 12 or Sat., Jan. 13 – within a two-hour time slot at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington Street.
Dogs and their handlers selected for the program must attend mandatory training at Edward Hospital from 8AM to 5PM on both Sat., March 9, and Sun., March 10.
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
- Prong collars, gentle leaders 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.
For more information about this program started in 2002, call Cynthia Brooks at (630) 527-5305 or email cynthia.brooks@eehealth.org.
