A Successful Career for Hershey the Therapy Dog

Friday, 31 January 2025 11:25

Hershey was part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program.

LANGTON - After 11 years of work and over 850 visits, Hershey the therapy dog is calling it a career.

The chocolate golden doodle would visit Langton Retirement Villa with his owner, Anne Hughes, on a weekly basis. She says he was always welcome there whether it was visit in the lounge or in the residents rooms.

"We go in, they say hi, he gets petted, and we chat because I interact with the residents as well. He just brings so many smiles to everybody's face. They just love seeing him!"

Hershey and Hughes volunteered through St. John Ambulance, so they would also visit VON Adult Day Programs and local high schools over the years.

Hershey was also child tested, so he was able to participate in the Paws for Stories program. The dogs in the program go in to local elementary schools and have students in Grade 3 to Grade 6 read to them to help build their reading skills. Hughes remembers this heart warming story from that experience.

"There was one little girl who was terrified of dogs. She had a bad experience but she wanted to see if she could get over it. It took her I don't know how many sessions before she got the courage to pet Hershey, so that was a fabulous thing."

Now that Hershey is over 13 years old, he's starting to experience some health issues and has trouble seeing due to cataracts.

"We don't go too far for our walks anymore. I have to keep a good eye on him because sometimes he wanders off and doesn't know where he is!"

Hughes encouraging other dog owners out there thinking about entering the therapy dog program to call the St. John Ambulance head office in London. From there, they will be put in contact with Hughes and she will arrange an information session and an evaluation for them.

She explains the qualities of a good therapy dog.

"A friendly dog who likes to be petted and be with people. Sometimes there are other dogs at events, so they have to get along with other dogs too."

You can find more information about the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program online here.