Charlie and Handler Susan

Regional Area: East

Gender: Male

Breed: Golden Retriever

Charlie and Susan routinely visit Buena Vida Assisted Living Facility and Oak Park Elementary School, where Susan works (she’s affectionately known as Charlie’s mom) and they love visiting both. What Susan most enjoys are the reactions from everyone Charlie visits and the joy he brings them.

Susan’s favorite therapy visit occurred at the school where she works. One of the children, a nonverbal special needs child in a wheelchair, rarely shows emotion and has trouble communicating. When Charlie was next to him, he wrapped his arms around him and smiled and giggled. He held Charlie for a long time and wouldn’t let go. Charlie, so gentle and patient, just stood there calmly. It was so sweet! He and Charlie were communicating in a language all their own.

When not doing therapy visits, Charlie enjoys chilling with his brother Tiger, a rescue cat, taking agility classes and swimming in the pool. He’s also learning many new tricks and is at work on his intermediate trick title.

What Susan loves most about Charlie is that he’s such a happy dog. A true “velcro” dog, following her everywhere, sitting beside her isn’t enough, he wants to be even closer. The result: she often finds a 72-pound bundle of fluff sitting in her lap or on top of her. Then there’s his cute habit of blowing bubbles in water – from the swimming pool to his water bowl!

Last summer, Susan and Charlie took a month-long cross-country road trip. At home, they frequently go to dog-friendly community events, restaurants and shops. Not surprisingly, people are always drawn to Charlie, stopping to pet him and chat. Charlie, quite simply, makes friends wherever he goes.

Susan admits that she loves doing therapy visits with Charlie, not only for the joy he brings others but because it’s such a bonding experience and relationship-building activity for them. As for their future: many more therapy visits and more work on Charlie’s training since his tricks are such a hit during those visits.

Training/Certifications
Basic Manners
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Tricks
Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Urban
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team

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