Greyhounds . . .

Bill and Harriette Baker, of Greyhound Friends Inc., live nearby in the next town over (Cherry Hill, NJ).

The Bakers came and presented a general assembly for our school about greyhound dogs. They brought three greyhounds - R.T., Chris, and Ultra.

After the assembly, the Bakers met privately with the students who were researching pet therapy. Using index cards with prepared questions, students took turns asking them about pet therapy as well as information specific to their greyhounds. Here are some of their questions and the Bakers' answers:

Why did you get involved with pet therapy? To help other people who love animals but are sick or disabled.

Which breeds are used the most for pet therapy? It doesn't matter. Many labs and German shepherds are used, but almost any kind of dog can be used.

How old do the dogs have to be? There really is no age limit, they just have to be at least 1 year old.

How do the greyhounds help with pet therapy? They help bring down a person's blood pressure. They help physically and mentally.

Do they wear a special harness on the job? No, but they need to be on a lead (leash).

Do they do tricks? No.

Do they get treats on the job? Yes, biscuits.

How long have your dogs been doing this? Approximately 5 years.

Who trains pet therapy dogs? Therapy Dogs International (a non-profit organization).

Do the animals have continuing education? They are taken out on a regular basis to meet and greet people. We take them to different events (for example, the Renault Wine Festival).

Can anyone do pet therapy? Do you need a license? No, you don't need a license, as long as the dog passes the test.

Do your greyhounds get work breaks? Yes, they vacation in North Carolina and Williamsburg, Virginia.

Do these dogs sense things in advance? Yes, they were excited to come and visit today! They also know when thunderstorms are coming.

Are any therapy dogs disabled themselves? Yes, some have missing limbs (legs).

How long do greyhounds live? About 14 years.

Do therapy dogs ever swim with clients? Some might with people who need aqua therapy.

Can you pet the dogs while they are working? Yes, people are encouraged to do so.

Do all places welcome pet therapy dogs? No, they must be accepted. They are usually invited.

How do people react to the dogs? They love them!

How do you deal with clients who are afraid of dogs? Dogs are kept close to their owners. Clients are asked in advance if they would like to see the dogs.

Do you do a lot of traveling? Yes, about 6,000 miles a year in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

How do people find pet therapists? People hear about them through 'word of mouth', call Therapy Dogs International, or find them on the Internet.

Is pet therapy done for free or do you get paid? It is volunteer (free).

Did your dogs go to Ground Zero in New York City? They did not actually go to Ground Zero. They were invited to Pier 94 where the American Red Cross set up a Family Assistance Center. (For more information about this, check the September 11th aftermath page in the examples section of our web site.)

Could you describe a case study where pet therapy made a big difference in someone's life? There was a girl in the Voorhees Pediatric Hospital confined to a wheelchair because of a car accident. After several visits she got to know the dogs and now attends public school. Originally she was not expected to live.

Is anyone trying to outlaw dog racing? The Therapy and Rescue Groups are lobbying to stop the dog racing.
In the United States 13 states still allow greyhound racing.
Once a year there is a large fund raiser sponsored by The Greyhound Friends of New Jersey - it is a Craft Fair and Dogshow scheduled around Thanksgiving at the ExpoCenter in Pennsauken New Jersey.