This is Finn, a chocolate Labradoodle, who Willow has fallen in love with.
20 March 2021
We travelled down to Tauranga and stayed with the goal of spending some time seeing the puppies at Wendy’s Therapy dog training home to see which of the puppies would suit Willow.
Even travelling to and staying away from home was a huge milestone for Willow and something we have not been able to do for over a year. But the excitement of seeing the puppies was enough to get Willow to give it a go. We had a few challenges: anxiety in the long car ride, stopping to go toilet at a cafe that Willow would not go near and then when we arrived we decked out the place with everything from home to make it as familiar as possible. Toys, blankets, safe food and drink, our own cups, plates, cooking utensils… Once we had her settled, then leaving the place was the next challenge, her anxiety was really up.
When we visited the puppies home the next day, Wendy and Lynda brought out puppies one at a time for Willow to feel safe with and play. Allowing her to get a feel for which puppy might suit Willow. Willow developed a close bond with a few of the puppies.They were all so beautiful.
Then the big challenge: Lynda suggested that we take one of the therapy puppies for a walk into a cafe. After some trepidation, Willow walked the dog inside and we all sat down. Willow did not eat anything and there was a little freakout about a cake ordered, but even going in there was a massive milestone and proof that having a Therapy dog could reduce Willow’s anxiety to a point that she can overcome her obstacles.
Fingers crossed they decide Willow can have him and we can start our own training in another month!