Quote Originally Posted by cassiesmom
What about dogs that make visits to patients in hospitals and nursing homes? Do those come up under therapy dogs? I've seen first hand what can happen when an elder in a nursing home and a dog get together.

I have an acquaintance at church that is training a puppy for seeing-eye dog course work (I know that is no longer the correct name but for the life of me I can't think of what the exact title of the program is). This pup needs to go different places because he needs to be comfortable going with the person he is assisting, wherever that might be (home, school, supermarket, church, work, etc). She brings him to church almost every week. The only rule is that you ask before you pet (little kids, of course, are excepted and they are so darling with him!). The pup has only barked once in church and that was because he was frightened by a power wheelchair. Even older people smile when they see him. She brings him with his dog-in-training vest on so there's no question what is happening.
Yup those are seperate and called Therapy dogs. That is awsome that your friend is doing that. Even better that the church is allowing it. In the law the church is one of the few places that can refuse a Service dog for any reason. It is up to them if they allow it. I am blessed that my church also allows Sheena to attend church with me
Nicole