The worst therapy dog in the world
13 September 2024
Ziggy. Is the worst therapy dog in the world.
I don’t know if you have ever encountered one of those therapy dogs (or cats or horses) that assist people emotionally and physically? They are truly amazing. They are used in all sorts of different settings; old age homes, children’s homes, hospitals and in play therapy sessions.
“A therapy dog can assist a play therapist by creating an environment where young clients feel comfortable and unconditionally accepted. The dog can also act as an ice-breaker by promoting conversation and communication between the therapist and clients, creating a climate of trust and safety. A dog’s playful nature facilitates playfulness in therapy.” Dr. Sune Scholtz (Educational Psychologist)
Well, Ziggy is the opposite of the above. He is self-centered, needy, entitled and has no clue what empathy is.
Some of you and/or your children may have met Ziggy at our house. Often by mistake as he’s supposed to be indoors for the duration of play therapy sessions. But every now and then he makes a break from prison and joins us. His one redeeming feature is that he is quite cute. And most people don’t mind giving him some attention. If they do, I immediately dispatch him back to where he should be.
He has no body boundaries whatsoever.
Ziggy sitting on the cat.
Ok, so there are a couple of redeeming features of him being around during play therapy. He does create conversation. And for children who love dogs, they really do enjoy him being there and they often ask for him. Maybe his very neediness makes people feel special and wanted? Mmmm, maybe. And, once he settles down and lies on the cushion on the floor, he falls asleep and keeps us company. Until such time as we do anything active and he wants to be in on the fun!
And, of course, in his defense he has not been trained to be a therapy dog. He only knows how to Sausage Dog and he does so very well.
In our home, he does have the important role of chief live hot water bottle.
We love our pets, and Ziggy is slightly mad, but special. Even if he is the worst therapy dog in the world!
