Jazz's Handlers

A handler is typically the dogs owner and the guidance and training behind the magic that is a therapy dog. A successful therapy dog begins with natural, suitable traits that are enhanced through many months of dedicated training, socialization and most importantly, a strong bond between the handler and dog, creating a team. The handlers job is to ensure the safety of the dog as well as to help guide it in reaching and enjoying other people.

Jazz's Mom has been a dog owner since the age of 4, sharing a strong bond that has helped her to overcome extreme shyness; a fine example of how the human-animal bond works. She has nearly 20 years of dog training experience in both obedience trials and agility competition. She has taught several obedience classes off and on over the years as well as a few agility classes. Her greatest experience in working with her dogs has been the therapy program which she has been involved with since 1992.

Gianna (“Kat”) has owned many dogs over the years, however only a Rottweiler, Border Collie and a Coonhound (in addition to Jazz) have worked with her in therapy programs. Facilities that she and her canine companions have worked with are: a children's in-patient psychiatric unit; an adult out-patient psychiatric facility; retirement home; surgical unit; two physical therapy units; transitional care; and an elementary school.

The human-animal bond presents particularly rewarding environments for those people visited as touch and acceptance from an animal provides a warm, calming atmosphere which aids in healing the human heart, mind and soul. Kat enjoys sharing her animal and the benefits that a canine companion brings to people in facilities as well as the staff that care for them.

Having a dog that possesses the unique qualities, aptitude and skill for therapy work is a rewarding gift. In her years of animal assisted therapy, Jazz is only the 2^nd dog to possess the exceptional qualities for working well in therapy with children. It is a great service to be able to provide a child with positive, safe interaction with a well behaved dog. This gives a child the opportunity to learn to bond and effectively communicate with an animal as well as learning by example about responsible care and ownership of a dog. Working with a therapy dog also encourages a child to develop a sense of selflessness and caring towards others.

Jazz's co-handler is Kat's daughter, Sarah. Sarah is relatively new to participating in animal assisted therapy though she's been interested in the program since an early age and has eagerly awaited being old enough to participate. At 14, she must have an adult accompany her. A great age to experience giving back to the community as well as exploring whether animal assisted therapy is right for her.

Mac the Border Collie keeps vigil over his young leader.