In 2009, Tori and Anne obtained the Therapy Dog International (TDI) certification which allows an individual to take a dog into various medical, nursing and assisted living homes or schools, in order to share the love and therapy of dog visitations.

The individuals and residents of these settings have not had the opportunity to keep their treasured dogs or to have continued contact with them, and it provides an opportunity for them to be able to do so. Also, therapy dogs go into schools so children can read to them with confidence.

Little did I know how absolutely moving and awesome this experience would be for us! We chose to visit the Bill Hefner Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury, NC twice monthly to have our therapy dog visits. We spend the day there, breaking for lunch and a ‘nap time.’ In addition, from time to time I will bring my autoharp and we will have a wonderful group sing. The administration, staff and nurses have opened their hearts with such enthusiasm for our participation in this program. For that we are eternally grateful. These individuals and this hospital give us back so very much love that one cannot imagine. It is truly a privilege to share our Labs with them.

We chose the V.A. Hospital because we feel very dedicated to those who have served our country. Additionally, Neil’s father served in WWII and Neil retired in 2007 after serving in the Coast Guard Reserves for 27 years.

Each time our Lab walks up to the automatic opening doors, their ears perk up and becomes very excited. The therapy dog realizes that this will be a day of much loving, petting and attention. We believe that our labs have that inward ‘sense’ of knowing how much they mean to these individuals. A therapy dog's picture is displayed on the bulletin board of each unit in the buildings. There is no way that we can express how very rewarding it is to have our Labs serving in this role. We will continue to certify other Duckback Labs and continue this service for a long time.

There is one particular resident who has allowed us to share pictures of her and Tori ….. a very special bond, no doubt. Katherine served in Vietnam in the Army and she makes trips to the grocery store to make sure she has a ‘stash’ of dog cookies for our therapy dog. We invite you to take a visual journey to the V.A. Hospital to see what real love a Lab can share.

In addition, Kota makes visits to Universal Healthcare in Ramseur, NC to visit its residents. Millie is also certified as a therapy dog and will be making visits very soon.

Anne and Neil

p.s. We are so sorry to say that Tori is no longer with us. Kota, Tori's son, has taken up the role of being the therapy dog at the VA hospital now. Kota is pictured at right dressed up as Tigger.

Kota at the VA hospital dressed as Tigger

Tori & Anne on St. Patrick's Day