Dogs know when we are feeling down. They love it when we are happy and
seeking friendship and fun, and they understand when we are feeling sad
and desperate. This book presents a series of real-life tales of the
positive effects dogs have had on people at the end of their lives,
chronicling the visits by two therapy dogs, Woody and Katie, to patients
in a south Florida hospice facility. Through twenty-one stories, infused
with humor amidst the sadness, Michelle Rivera, an experienced animal
therapist, explores the many ways in which animals can ease human
suffering. Her book begins with the deeply personal story of her own
mother Katherine's illness and dying appeal to have the company of a
dog, and proceeds to tell the stories of patients young and old who the
author was inspired to visit with her "hospice hounds." As well as
demonstrating many of the techniques of animal therapy, Rivera argues
powerfully that not allowing pets in health care facilities is a
counterproductive policy that deprives patients of comfort at the time
they need it most. Some of the stories were previously published in
Hospice Hounds (2001), but the author has substantially expanded her
introduction and added an invaluable final section that gives practical
tips on training and certifying your dog to be a therapy animal.