Therapy Dog

This is a story about a dog named Barney: the pet, his amazing transformation into a Therapy Dog, and his work to help people recover from illness and injury (Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital) and to help school children read (Fern Hill Elementary School). This is one special dog- he’ll make you laugh and maybe cry... You’ll love him!

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Faster than a speeding bullet- it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Barney!


We all know about the mild-mannered reporter who ducks into a phone booth to emerge as the Superhero who lives to keep good people out of trouble and put crooks in jail. The transformation of Clark Kent into Superman is easy for a comic book character- just write it into the script. But just imagine convincing a hyperactive canine to transform into a mild-mannered Superhero- a dog who helps people in many different situations. Now THAT’S a transformation!

Barney is the pride and joy of Dee and Ron Quell of West Chester, PA. After losing two dogs some years ago, Dee decided not to have any more because it’s too emotionally draining to lose them. But she missed having a dog and as a person leading a good life, she wanted to give back in some way. She talked to her minister about using a Therapy Dog to minister to others and he thought it was a good idea. Her target became a Labradoodle which can be a great Therapy Dog: the Lab part gives gentleness and the Poodle part gives intelligence.  After an on-line search they found the perfect pooch. So how did he get his name? Dee and Ron have a house on Long Beach Island where the famous Barnegat Lighthouse is known as “Old Barney”, and that was it!

OK, they have Barney- but how does a pet become a Therapy Dog who must be calm and respond properly to their handler in many challenging situations? Almost all the things we would expect from an active dog have to be tamped down on command and replaced by a calm loving helper. He mastered these skills at the Dog Training Center of Chester County. It took him two years to be certified by Therapy Dogs International (TDI)- but now Barney is an official Therapy Dog and proud of it!! Who could resist those eyes!
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The Pet

So, what does the pet side of this split personality look like?

Upon entry into the Quell’s lovely log home, Barney offers an imposing yet playful reception involving barking, running and jumping- this is a bona fide high energy dog. Dee intercepts the four legged rocket ship before he makes contact.

Barney’s commanding role in the home is unmistakable, and he knows it. Dee and Ron dote on Barney, not as a pet, but as a member of the family- their third child. Asked how important Barney is to her, Dee says: “God gave me this wonderful dog to do exactly what I want to do- to help others.”

After meeting Barney in his home, it’s hard to imagine his transformation into a gentle dog who can offer tenderness to people who need it. That’s what is so amazing about the training and patience it takes to produce a Therapy Dog.

Here’s a view into Barney’s world.

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Family Meeting:  Dee, aka Mom, tells Barney, aka master of the house, that he's being photographed for a very important Photo Essay on Therapy Dogs and his tricks must be perfect- “OK, I get it!” .... Yes, Barney speaks English.

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The Pose: “But tell’m to get my good side.”
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Sit Stay: “OK, but how about something harder?”
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High Hurdles: “That’s more like it.”
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Milk Container Crunch: “Grrrrrrr- I’m pretending to be mean!”
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Break Time: “Mom, I know you have a treat, I can see it.”
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Go to Jail: “I'm innocent- I didn’t take that treat off the counter; maybe a squirrel got into the house!”
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Do-si-Do: “I wonder if I would have been good enough to be Fred Astaire’s dog.”
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Dry the Dishes: “Are you sure that’s a trick or is it housework?”
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Performance Over:  Under the watchful eye of Ron, aka Dad, Barney takes a well deserved rest- “Good Dog”....... “Hey Mom, what about dance class- I’m really good, right?”
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Barney and Dee Freestyle Dance at The Dog Training Center of Chester County Under the Direction of Sabine Platten: “I'll catch my tail if it's the last thing I ever do.”
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Encouragement: “Yes Barney, you would have been GREAT as Fred Astaire's Dog.”
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Amazing Transformation

There’s no question, Barney is just what one would expect from a great dog- lots of energy, lots of fun and lots of love for his family. But how does he become a Therapy Dog?

According to Sabine Platten (dog trainer since 1992 and President of the Dog Training Center of Chester County) it has to be in the core of the dog- “Not all dogs are suited.”  The most important relationship is between the dog and the handler-  “The dog has to trust the handler who has to be very responsive to its needs.” … Dee says- “When we’re working I know when he’s getting tired; at that point I will limit what he’ll do for the rest of the session.”

The Dog Training Center has a wide range of obedience programs including Therapy Dog Training. They have trainers on staff who are certified by TDI to test dogs. Therapy Dog training goes beyond other programs to include specifics of a hospital situation. Sabine explains- “We use associative learning to reinforce behavior- there are external cues like treats and petting, and there is the internal response that the dog feels based on how people respond; I’m so amazed that I can communicate with a non-verbal species to channel their behavior.” The handler is key to the training- “We train the handler to train the dog.” One of the most difficult behaviors to learn is to not take food unless given permission. Dee- “Even though Barney is trained, I have to keep reinforcing his behavior;  for example at home Barney cannot approach his food bowl until he sits and I give him permission.”  Smiling she says-  “But if a hot dog falls on the floor by accident, oh well- it’s gone before we know it!!”

When a Therapy Dog works with a patient or small child, their exuberance must be held in check. Sabine’s strategy is to over train- “Whatever the animal is required to do, train them to a higher level which increases their chance of success.”  It took Barney two years to become TDI certified, passing the test on his third try. Sabine’s view is that a dog needs to be trained until it reaches emotional maturity which is 2-3 years of age. But the amount of time needed to train a Therapy Dog depends on the dog and the handler- “Some clients have unrealistic expectations about training a Therapy Dog- it takes time and patience.”

Barney’s transformation from pet to Therapy Dog is less dramatic than that of Clark Kent to Superman. Dee says- “You really don’t see much until Barney is with a patient or student. That’s when you see the different behavior.”

Dee has a ritual to get Barney ready. This is done in her version of Superman’s phone booth- her SUV! She puts a harness and scarf on Barney and says- “We’re going to work.” Barney can tell the difference between the hospital and school- “But if I took Barney to an unfamiliar work setting he would still behave correctly; he senses when someone needs affection and will reach out to them.”  It’s clear that Barney has Therapy Dog in his core.

Barney and Dee are a hard working therapy team- “He gets pretty tired but always has enough dog energy left to freestyle dance every Wednesday night... It’s a good thing I go to the gym so that I have the energy to keep up!”

And now, for the first time ever seen by the public- Barney’s Amazing Transformation!

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Barney’s “Phone Booth” Has Been Spotted:  He would like to use a real phone booth like Superman, but they’re all gone. So he has to settle for Dee’s SUV- for security reasons we can’t divulge this Superhero’s location… The first step in his transformation is the special harness. Barney is lucky, Clark Kent had to do the change by himself- but he has his Mom!
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I Am a Therapy Dog:  Barney wears his official tag- notice how regal he looks.
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Superheroes Must Have a Cape:  OK it’s a scarf, but “cape” sounds so much more dramatic.
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It’s Showtime:  The transformation is complete when Dee says those four magic words- “We’re Going To Work.”  She adds- “You are my SUPER-HERO!”  (A nose kiss is soon to follow- just not sure which nose!)

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Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital

Babs has been a patient at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital (located in Malvern, PA) for three months after suffering a brain illness resulting in severe right side motor and speech impairment. She’s made enormous progress and will be discharged soon. It’s obvious that BMRH’s caring staff will miss her warmth and big smile.

While speech comes with difficulty, Babs openly expresses her love of sessions with Barney and the other Therapy Dogs. But this is not just play, it’s therapy to help her with strength, dexterity, balance, walking, memory, and speech. It’s hard work, but Babs laughs and smiles the whole time- “He makes me feel good- I’ll miss Barney when I go home!”  These sessions are supervised by occupational therapist Ruth Crouthamel, OTR/L. Having been a Therapy Dog handler, Ruth understands the benefits as well as anyone.

As a dog person, Ruth volunteered eleven years ago to run an existing Therapy Dog group at BMRH-  “The dogs can sense what people need and I was amazed how patients respond- their eyes light up!… I came to feel privileged to work with the dogs and their handlers.”  She adds- “It’s hard to believe that a very high energy dog can put on a collar and become a partner in working with patients- the dog and the handler must have great trust in each other.”

Ruth had her own Therapy Dog- “Hailey was just a mutt… we worked together at BMRH;  She might be asked to lay in bed, sit on a sofa, or get a ride in a wheelchair from a patient; she loved doing it all and the patients really responded to her as well.”

Today BMRH uses 30 Therapy Dogs. Some do visiting- walking around interacting with patients. Others are in one of three therapy groups that work on patient skills. Ruth runs one of these groups which includes Barney.

Patients are recommended to Ruth’s group by her occupational therapist colleagues at BMRH- “Patients can’t have allergies to dogs and of course they can’t be afraid.”

The benefit for patients is both physical and social- “It includes cognition, remembering dogs names, giving and performing commands, motor function, speech.”  She adds- “Patients just seem to be more motivated when they work with dogs; dogs actually reward the patient’s efforts and provide unconditional acceptance of the patient’s condition.”  Ruth says that even “the simple touch and physical pressure of the dog against the patient”  is a huge benefit- “It goes both ways- the dogs respond as well!”  

Ruth can see this special connection with Babs- “When she works with the dogs she is always engaged, always smiling… It’s genuine and not put on just to please the staff… It’s a gut feeling, but I know this makes a big difference!”

Families get involved as well- “When family members visit they smile along with the patient… it makes them forget they are in the hospital… they talk about their dogs at home…. Babs’ husband was here last week and he got totally engaged with the Therapy Dogs.”

Handlers are so committed that it’s tragic when their dogs pass on. Ruth tears up- “When Hailey died I didn’t want to go into work, but everyone at BMRH reached out to let me know what a powerful legacy she left behind and that made me so proud!”

It’s people like Ruth and the dog handlers that make the Therapy Dog program work so well at BMRH- “It's amazing to watch the magic that happens between the patients and the dogs; I love getting to be a part of it.”

Babs graciously allowed her Therapy Dog session to be photographed.

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Babs Gets Ready For Her Session:  She greets everyone with her warm smile.


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Babs and Ruth Discuss Her Progress
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Petting:  Babs caresses Fiona, Barney’s co-worker. Reaching with her more functional left arm, this playful moment combines stretching and hand exercise along with the pleasure of Fiona’s touch.
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Brushing:  Barney gets groomed by a special hair stylist. This activity builds strength and dexterity in Babs’ challenged right hand. Barney distracts her from any discomfort she might feel. Ruth guides Babs’ hand and Dee calms Barney. This is quite a team!
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Barney Is a Trooper:  With his collar and cape (scarf), he’s not the same dog that flies around his house at warp speed. Dee’s touch gives him confidence that what’s going on back there is OK. (Of course, Superheroes have built-in backup cameras.)
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Positioning:  Babs arranges Barney’s cape (accept it- it’s a cape!). She has to move quickly before Barney loses his Superhero powers. This maneuver helps Babs with eye and hand coordination.
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Tying:  With Ruth’s help, Babs’ fine motor control gets a workout. The success of Barney’s training is very evident. Maybe he’s dreaming about the treat that awaits.
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Placing:  Babs puts a treat onto a long spoon which takes precision. Barney knows something good is on the way.
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Reaching:  Ruth is very pleased that Babs can hold the spoon steady for Barney. Babs is just having fun.
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Throwing:  Ruth explains the tennis ball toss while Babs sizes up her target.
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Taking Aim:  The infield is ready to pounce.
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The Toss
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Ground Ball to 1st Base:  Barney makes the catch.
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Fly Ball to Right Field: “Yikes Babs, where did THAT come from?”
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Time-Out From the Action:  While Babs and Dee relax before the next workout, Barney takes a selfie with his iPhone.
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Balancing:  On Dee’s command “Barney Through!”, this guided missile flies through the hoops. Babs enjoys the performance, not realizing that her stand-up routine is really the show!
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Walking:  Now for the most challenging part of the session. As a Therapy Dog, Barney can sense this will be difficult. His presence helps get Babs off to a good start.
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First Tenuous Steps:  Leash in hand, Babs moves forward- Ruth gives her encouragement.
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Slow But Sure:  With Barney on one side and Ruth on the other, Babs feels safe.
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Going the Distance:  She covers a lot of ground after so long in a wheelchair. Barney heels perfectly- a dog without his training might cause Babs to fall.
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Building Confidence:  She feels her accomplishment and looks forward to the time when she can walk her own dog- hopefully soon!
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High Note:  The session ends with Dee bringing out a huge laugh- perhaps the best therapy of all!

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Fern Hill Elementary School

Take one part animal lover, one part committed teacher, one part admirer of dedicated volunteers, and one part innovator- mix it all together and you have Angela McCullough, a 2nd grade teacher at Fern Hill Elementary School, West Chester Area School District. Angela brings Therapy Dogs into her classroom as a tool to help students improve reading skills.

Angela got the idea of using Therapy Dogs in 2012 when she read a newspaper article about a teacher who uses dogs. The article mentioned Therapy Dogs International (TDI). It particularly appealed to her because of her love of animals. She is always looking for ways to use animals in the classroom-“I wanted to bring a cow into class but that didn’t work out!”

She did some research and found the TDI program called “Tail Waggin’ Tutors”. From TDI: “Libraries and schools schedule reading hours for children and Therapy Dogs. Children and dogs bond together over a shared story. The child’s confidence and reading skills grow in a relaxing environment. It’s that simple.”  Angela recalls- “This became my hair brained idea!”

Angela went to the Dog Training Center of Chester County to look for suitable dogs. She started with just two- “Not all dogs are suited to the classroom. They have to be calm and inviting to the children and their handlers have to be committed to our schedule.”  Today Angela uses five Therapy Dogs in her class, one each day with Barney on Tuesdays- “It helps students develop fluency and their reading becomes smoother.”

Another aspect of the program appeals to her- “The handlers are so committed to their work with Therapy Dogs that I want to give them the opportunity.”

Everyone has to be on board for the program to work. Angela brought the idea to her principal- “Mrs. Rebecca Eberly is very trusting and open to new ideas- she said ‘go for it’.”  Each year Angela writes letters to all the parents of children in her class to explain that dogs are a tool to help students develop their reading skills. Parents have to sign permission slips. A key concern is whether a child has allergies to dogs. If so, that would limit the program. And at the beginning of the year Angela holds a “meet and greet”  with her students and the Therapy Dogs and handlers- “The children can’t wait for their turn to read and that gives me a great head start on teaching.”

The setup in her class involves a “dog house”  which was built by her husband Richard- this is a family project! Children sit on the floor inside the dog house and the Therapy Dog lies next to them. The handler sits on a chair next to the Therapy Dog- “The Therapy Dog provides emotional support and fun for the child; the dog is like a teacher in the classroom and the children love it!”

What is the impact on student performance? Angela doesn’t have absolute proof of the benefit- “I know my students’ reading scores are improving. I can’t say for sure that scores would be any different without this program, but I have a gut feeling that it makes a difference.”

Angela’s program is unique in her school. She manages the whole program herself which includes selecting Therapy Dogs and managing schedules- “It’s extra work, but I’m accountable for my students learning to read and I will do whatever it takes- the Therapy Dog is a tool that works. When I do something I jump in with both feet- I really like this program.”

Last year there was a situation that had a special outcome. Two children in Angela’s class were afraid of dogs. But after a while they got used to the dogs coming into class. Then one day, one of these students tried reading to a Therapy Dog with a student who was not afraid. After having a good experience, that student told the other fearful student how much fun it was and then that student wanted to try- “Before long, both were reading to the doggies!!”

Angela is very modest about her program- “I don’t make a big to-do about it, no flag waving. If I can help students enjoy reading and increase their skills, I’m happy.”

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2nd Grade:  A modern classroom.
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High Tech:  Angela’s classroom is full of iMacs, iPads, digital protectors. But way in the back is something totally low tech.
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The Dog House:  It’s like a modern day one-room school house. Holiday cards from the Therapy Dogs adorn the walls.
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Spartan But Spacious:  The interior can fit three readers. Richard McCullough used a recycled flat screen TV box for the roof- a low carbon footprint design, or is it "paw-print“!
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Let the Reading Begin- Three Readers Assemble in the Dog House- Dee Asks Them to Take Turns Reading: "Barney and I will help you with any difficult words!“…. The children are immediately at ease in the dog house… Who’s cuter- the kids or Barney? OK- both!!
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Today's Book is Lost List: "Mom, I wish they had a book about lost dogs!"
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The First Reader Begins:  What concentration!
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A Laugh Breaks Out As She Gets a Kiss from Barney:  Barney’s motto is- Ready, Set, Slurp!!  Actually he’s supplying a comfortable and safe environment for these children.
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She Just Can’t Help Laughing
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The Second Reader Takes Over:  Barney is really getting into the story.
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And Now the Third Reader
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Dee Helps with a Difficult Word
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The first Reader Takes Another Turn: "Mom, what about me- don't I get a chance to read?"
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Reassuring Barney: “Reading is always better with you!”
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The Reading Session is Coming to a Close- Barney is Warn Out: “I can’t wait for the next time I read to Barney.”
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But There's One More Reader- Angela:  “Wow, I didn’t realize how much fun this is- from now on I’m going to ask Dee to get here fifteen minutes early for MY reading session with Barney!”
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Angela Tells Barney How Important He Is: “You're the best Tail Waggin' Tutor ever!!”
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Tail Waggin’ Tutors Make a Difference:  It’s clear to see that Barney creates a comfortable reading environment. These children were engaged with the story and cooperated fully with each other… and it was fun!!

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Final Thoughts

What really comes through is the amazing connection between people and dogs. Therapy Dogs in particular can sense what people need and give it unconditionally.  People respond with utter joy- “Their eyes light up!”  Dogs just make people’s lives better.  The Therapy Dog program brings dogs to people who need them the most.  It all works because of the total commitment of everyone involved- including Barney.

Those who receive services from Barney are grateful for the help and the love he provides:
    Patient: “He makes me feel good- I’ll miss Barney when I go home.”
    Student: “I can’t wait for the next time I read to Barney."
    Parent: “It truly is amazing the impact that Barney has on so many people.”
    Parent: “My child loves reading to Barney and talks about him all the time.”

For those who provide the service it’s not only about giving, it’s also about receiving- everyone gets their own dose of therapy:
    Handler: “I’ve had a good life and this is a way for me to give back.”
    Trainer: “I’m so amazed that I can communicate with a non-verbal species to channel their behavior.” 
    2nd grade teacher: “If I can help students enjoy reading and increase their skills, I’m happy.”
    Occupational Therapist: “It's amazing to watch the magic that happens between the patients and the   
             dogs; I love getting to be a part of it.”
    Therapy Dog: “It’s hard work but I love it… and my reading is getting better!” 
            He adds- "Too bad Fred Astaire is gone,  so I’m thinking Mom and I should try out for Dancing with  
             the Stars!!  But even if we win, I’ll always be there for my friends at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and
             Fern Hill Elementary School- they really need me!” 
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Barney says: “You gotta watch my favorite Fred Astaire video”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKaLGPzMJzI
[Walking the Dog was written by George Gershwin for a dog walking sequence in the
Fred Astaire – Ginger Rogers film Shall We Dance.]