Caleb

by Natalie

Caleb is a beautiful blue merle, Shetland Sheepdog. He was just an eight-week-old puppy when he came to live with me. From the beginning he’s always been a happy, energetic and goofy little dog. Being my first puppy, I wanted him to get the best training possible. We started with puppy school then obedience classes, but his favourite of all is agility.

I have always had a passion for animals and for helping people. When my grandfather was diagnosed and hospitalised with Alzheimers, Caleb got a special permission to go for visits. Because of his disease, Grandpa was very aggressive and unpleasant, but as soon as Caleb arrived, he would calm down, be less aggressive and would even start to laugh. That’s when I realised I had a special dog and a mission!

When I found the Ottawa Therapy Dogs, I dreamed of helping people assisted by my dog. This group of dedicated volunteers provided me with training. Then after an evaluation they also helped me in selecting a placement for our therapy work.

Now, Caleb is an Ottawa Therapy Dog, we volunteer our time to support and motivate people to reach beyond their physical and emotional limitations. It’s such a blessing to share him with others, to see faces light up when we walk into a room. Adjusting to different needs, Caleb might bring smiles by performing his different tricks or at other times bring comfort by resting his head on a lap. A patient told me that he felt better when we visit, because Caleb communicates with his heart!!! I think of Caleb as a gift from God — sharing him with others is such a rewarding experience. He's not just a ray of sunshine in my life, but in the lives of others as well.