Incredible Kratu by Tess Eagle Swan & Lynne Barrett-Lee

Author:Tess Eagle Swan & Lynne Barrett-Lee [Barrett-Lee, Tess Eagle Swan & Lynne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Blake Publishing

CHAPTER 14

Unexpected Questions

I

n order to be accepted to do therapy work, a dog has to pass a formal assessment. So, thinking I’d put all my boys up for it at the same time (no therapy work for my haughty, wolfy Maia, though – as if!), I read up on what kind of things would be included.

The list was long, but it all made perfect sense. It included no jumping up, no pulling on the lead, no objection to being petted, no barking or growling, no snatching at offered treats and (fairly obviously) no licking. Dogs needed to walk nicely to heel and have impeccable manners, sitting quietly when asked to and not overreacting to any sudden noises or distractions.

The owner, similarly, had to demonstrate that they were in control and responsible; that their dog obeyed commands and accepted their authority; that they kept them clean and groomed, that they clipped their nails regularly and that in an emergency, or when they needed to withdraw, that they were capable of handling them in any situation.

I had no worries about any of these as I knew my dogs were lovely. We’d worked very hard and their temperaments were perfect. They all loved people and it was a joy to see how wonderful they were around them. So I found myself in the unusual position of having three suitable dogs. And, my goodness, they all passed with flying colours. Which was great. But then . . . Well, not a lot.

I wasn’t sure what I expected, and perhaps I’d been naïve, but where I’d envisioned travelling around spreading happiness and joy, it soon became clear that it wasn’t that simple. Though Pets as Therapy were supportive and sent several emails about prospective volunteering opportunities, the kind of support I’d imagined might be offered didn’t materialise – you were expected to organise everything on your own.

Which should have been simple, but where were my Prussian general genes when I needed them? In this case absent without leave. Some things floored me. This did; for some reason I had a big mental block about taking the next step forward. Had I had someone to talk me through all the forms (the insurance form, the establishment registration form, the risk assessment form, etc., etc.) and maybe to accompany us to the first session, perhaps I’d have found it a bit easier. I also felt increasingly lost about the rules. They were all in place for good health and safety reasons, of course, but just the thought of how many regulations I’d need to keep in my head every time I visited somewhere made the prospect of going through with it too complicated for my brain to process.

I let it go, feeling let down. All those good intentions and nowhere to take them. Kratu, though, obviously had a nose for where to go, because in early summer, while at a dog show, he took matters into his own paws. Otherwise, we would never have got started.

It had been a good day.

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