Age: 12 years
Breed: Golden Hearted
Status: Angel
Received Wings: February 2024
“During our weekly visits to local nursing homes, Cid enjoys performing tricks like dancing and rolling over for the residents and thrives on being petted by everyone there,” says Darla. 
Cid, a 12-year-old Pomeranian/Papillion mix was certified in Murrieta, CA to do pet therapy with Darla in April 2016. As a certified R.E.A.D. team, they were regulars at the Murrieta Library where the children would sit with Cid on his blanket and read a book to him. After relocating to Florida in 2019, Cid continued to perform his tricks during pet therapy visits to Moffitt Cancer Center, a local library, a memory care center, and several assisted living facilities. 
“Therapy visits act as a form of therapy for me, too,” Darla admits. “I relish watching the smiles Cid brings to people’s faces and experience the same joy they do. He always senses when we’re about to go on a pet therapy visit because at least 30 minutes prior to that visit, he starts searching my closet for his pet therapy vest. As soon as he spots it, he gets s-o-o-o happy that he begins barking and jumping up in excitement! But as soon as we arrive at our destination, he uses his perfect doggy manners.
“At one of the nursing homes, a resident said how much she missed her own dog, but she was happy to see Cid and love on him. Her daughter pulled me aside and told me how much she appreciated our visits. Because she worked and couldn’t see her mom every day, she was grateful that Cid always brightened her mom’s day.” 
As for this devoted team’s future?
“We look forward to attending every GRRMF event in the Palm Harbor/Tampa area and continuing our pet therapy visits at our various facilities.”
Training/Certifications
Basic Manners
Canine Good Citizen / Pet therapy class
R.E.A.D. (Reading, Education, Assistance, Dogs)
Love On A Leash pet therapy group (L.O.A.L)
Moffitt Cancer Center Therapy Certification
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team
