Local Dogs Receive Certification For Therapy

Canine Training and Behavior Services LLC recently announced the certification of six dogs and handlers who qualified for the Therapy Dog International Certification. Among them were four individuals with Newtown ties.

On March 8, Newtown residents Mary Simpson, Christine Byron and Steve Berko, along with Bethel’s Nina Seturins of Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals, traveled to New York for the rigorous TDI test.

They became eligible to visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and health care facilities. Therapy Dogs International, Inc is a volunteer group organized for qualified handlers and their therapy dogs to visit places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools where therapy dogs are needed. The primary objective of the TDI dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dogs with people.

This is done in a way that increases emotional well-being, promotes healing and improves the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for patients.

Canine Training and Behavior Services, LLC offers therapy dog training in addition to all levels of obedience and agility training through the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department and at the Fairfield County Extension Center.

For information call 203-762-8920 or 203-394-8533.