Edward recruiting new dogs for Animal-Assisted Therapy program

Edward Hospital is seeking more dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program.  To be considered, please visit www.edward.org/animalassistedtherapy and complete the online application.  Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.  Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.

Those who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on Saturday, September 21, within a two-hour time slot between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Edward Sleep Center, 27555 Diehl Rd. in Warrenville.

Dogs and their handlers selected for the program must attend mandatory training at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St. in Naperville, Saturday and Sunday, November 16 - 17; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days.

For more information, call Cynthia Brooks at (630) 527-7335.

To be considered, dogs must meet the following requirements:

--Sit/down/stay/recall on command

--Walk loosely on a leash without pulling

--Get along well with other dogs

--Perform required commands without treats

--Like people

--Not be overly vocal

--Be at least one year of age

--Current on all vaccinations

--Free of skin problems

--Prong collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and retractable leashes are not acceptable

--Handlers must be 18 years of age or older

Handlers and their dogs are encouraged to have completed a group obedience training class within the past year.

Edward’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program began in 2002 with 15 teams.  Today, there are nearly 90 teams with 47 breeds represented.  Teams have made more than 150,000 patient visits since the beginning of the program.