Izzy is a Certified Therapy Dog!

Officially a Therapy Dog

We did it! Izzy's application passed and she is a Therapy Dog. We will have her ID tag soon. That gets mailed. I am so excited for us to get started. I think the time it has taken, has been good. Izzy has just continued to make progress and I feel like we have reached a new level in our communication and ability to work together. We are definitely ready.

I have been going through the process to volunteer at the Eugene Airport. I've completed the background check and my classes and will be picking up my badge on Tuesday.

We have to wait a bit longer before we can do a visit though as Izzy started her heat cycle. For female goldens, research is showing a high correlation between early spay and cancer. In fact, a study out of UC Davis recommends leaving female goldens intact. We will be going through 2 cycles to make sure she does alright with them and if so, we will be taking her to the Veteriary Hospital at OSU for an Ovary Sparing Spay so she can keep her hormones but not get pregnant or get pyometra.

So far her cycle has been very manageable. She doesn't seem uncomfortable. We have her on Raspberry Leaf and Evening Primrose to help with symptoms and even out her hormones.

While she doesn't love her panties, she is such a good sport and doesn't try to fight them at all.

Izzy and her hot pink briefs.

In the meantime, she is practicing her therapy skills. I had to have a medical procedure and was recuperating on the couch. She got up on the couch and snuggled with me for the afternoon. She knew I was in need of therapy.