CGH Dog Therapy Program

Tails are wagging at CGH Medical Center. Specially trained canines are regular visitors at the hospital as part of the new Love on a Leash animal-assisted therapy program.

Adopt a Dog by Donating $250.00. Click here

Basic Qualifying Requirements:                    

• Handlers must be at least 18 years or older

Can your dog consistently perform the following with one command?

• SIT on command
• DOWN on command
• STAY and RECALL on command
• Walk loosely on a leash without pulling
• Get along well with other dogs
• Able to perform commands without treats

In addition, can you answer "YES" to the following questions?

Employees of City Hall and the Sterling Police Department wore jeans on Fridays to raise money to adopt a dog for the CGH’s “Love On A Leash” pet therapy program.  The program is funded by the CGH Health Foundation.  So far, nine therapy dogs have passed temperament testing, and have undergone training and are visiting patients at CGH.  Photo (l-r) Melinda McCarter, SPD Violations Clerk; Hadley Skeffington-Vos, Assistant to the City Manager present their check to Joan Hermes, Executive Director of the CGH Health Foundation.  Also pictured is Jeff Kuchel, owner of therapy dog (and Dock Dog) Fletcher; and Lauren Bishop, CGH Intern.

• Does your dog like people?
• Is your dog not overly vocal?
• Does your dog have no food or possession issues?
• Does your dog not have separation anxiety issues?
• Is your dog at least 1 year of age?
• Is your dog current on all vaccinations?
• Is your dog free of all skin problems?

If you answered "yes" to all of the above questions, your dog may qualify as a therapy dog for our program.

Please download the "CGH Dog Therapy Program" application here
and return as soon as possible to:

CGH Medical Center
ATTN: Sheila Brune, MS, RN, CPHQ
Director of Service Excellence
100 E. LeFevre Road
Sterling, IL 61081

Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to have many benefits, including decreased pain medication use and increased socialization and communication.

For more information, please fill out the form above and someone will contact you. If you have any immediate questions, please call Sheila at (815) 625-0400, ext. 4472

Our Dog Therapy Program is directed by:

Susan Jakobs, Certified Dog Trainer
EDBA, CPDT - KA
815-590-8008
www.dogbuilders.com
 

Required fields are marked with a

First Name
Last Name
Dog's Name
Breed
Email
Phone
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