Well we did it. We went to the NH this AM. Bentley did great. -He followed his routine and went right to Ma's room, he walked around sniffing then came back out and went to find his buddy Edna. Of course they were all so happy to see him and he was eating up the attention.
I couldn't get a handle on my emotions so Carla, an aid, stayed with Bentley and his fans while I went to Ma's room alone to have a moment. It was much harder for me than I even realized.

After I rejoined Bentley and crew I felt better, like Ma is still there, with her friends in spirit. I thought Bentley would wonder where she was but he didn't seem to miss her at all. When I walked back in somebody had put a scarf on Bentley'd head and someone else put a shawl on him, I couldn't help but crack up. He hates it when I put a hat on him but he lets these old ladies do anything they want

It was a good visit and I'm glad we went. I think it will get easier for me each time we go because I have come to love those people so much, and so has Mr. Bentley.
I know in my heart that Ma was smiling down when she saw them dressing Bentley up

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Thank you Joyce and Bentley you guys ROCK!

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Thanks, actually it's all Bentley. I do have a question though.

I was thinking when Bentley gets older I would get him certified so he could visit hospitals ect. Now I'm wondering if that's not necessary. From day one he has been welcome at the NH because Ma was there and now he's friends with all the residents so he's always welcome.

At home he's the Tasmanian devil, a whirlwind of activity, but at the NH he settles right down and is extremely gentle with them. Some of the people that are very weak he seems to understand that and will just curl up next to them in their bed. Others he walks down the hall with, very slowly.

After we leave the building he gets the zoomies before we get in the car but I think he holds all that energy in.
My question is, is it really necessary to go ahead and get him certified or just carry on the way we're doing?
Thanks.

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I just wrote something and lost it. Bentley sounds like a natural and seems to love the work. Pursuing the Certificate and connecting with a group gives you more protection if someone should make claims against Bentley. (people sometimes do the darndest things) It also helps to protect the places you will take him against that type of problem. If the place you go now changes their policies that you need a certificate it won't inhibit you and Bentley if you get the certificate. If you and Bentley choose to go elsewhere also it will open more opportunities you can visit.
Look around at places you would like to take Bentley in the future and see what their requirements may be.

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Thank you. I'll check and see what we need to do to get certified. He seems to shine at the NH so I really would like to pursue it.

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wow, I was just reading what he has to do to become certified. He's SO good at Ma's NH but I know he's not ready to pass all those tests.
I think we'll keep going and train for the tests until he's ready to pass them.

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I'm glad it went well for Bentley and hugs to you Joyce. I know how difficult it was for you.


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Jodi

I should have checked my email earlier today not at 11:30 pm
Earlier I sent an email to a woman that runs an AKC recognized therapy dog organization in my area to see about signing Bentley up. She answered my email and it sounds great.
I will call her tomorrow but it sounds like getting Bentley certified as a therapy dog won't be as difficult as I thought. It would be great if we can work with her and also continue letting Bentley go visit his friends at the NH, I don't want to stop going there because his friends need him.

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I'm so glad you went back with Bentley - it's hard, and it will be for a while.
I can just see Bentley being dressed up by the old ladies, made me smile.

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Glad to hear your back is feeling better and you are on the move with Bentley.

A big big hug for you, can imagine that entering the room was not easy. But hold on to those good memories that will stay forever with you.

Who wouldn't fall in love with that BIG fur ball?