Mango, a very special therapy dog

Mango the therapy dog has a special connection with the people she visits in a nursing home in Hamilton, Ontario.

In 2005 the yellow Labrador Retriever tore a ligament in her leg and got an infection. After three unsuccessful surgeries to try to clear the infection, the leg had to be amputated.

But nothing could slow her down. Dogs don't seem to realize they have a handicap. Recently Mango, the three-legged therapy dog, received a medallion from St. John ambulance for reaching 150 hours of volunteer service time.

Before becoming a therapy dog, Mango had to go through a series of tests to be sure she had the right disposition. Therapy dogs have to be calm and friendly, able to interact with a variety of people. Only about half the dogs who apply are accepted, according to Judy Robinson, the program coordinator. She believes Mango’s disability makes her more approachable to some of the residents. “People relate to her because some of them are amputees as well. She’s a great therapy dog. She loves the attention.”

 Mango takes her volunteer work very seriously, according to her owner Tony Valaitis, who runs a software development business. When she’s on the job, she becomes gentler and more docile. "She loves going.” Valaitis said. “She can somehow sense she's doing something. She senses that she's there to help." Source

Thanks to Steve Bartlett

Comments

[Khyra]

Tank woo fur sharing that khool story!

My fluffy tail is up fur Mango!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[jan's funny farm]

Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it.

[Levi's mom]

Isn't it great that society is finally understanding what dog lovers have known all along, that animals have a wonderful ability to help humans in need.

[jackie]

dogs are so cool!...did you see the show on pbs about cats and dogs? there is one couple taking about their dog a german shephard...he got cancer in the bone in one of his legs and I'm telling you by the end of the hour I was a sobbing heap in the recliner...jeez..

[Sling]

Dogs do have that way of ignoring their own disabilities.
Something I'm sure Mango's charges find comforting.

[http;//assistdogautism.blogspot.com]

What a great story - what a great dog!

[Dog Hair Dog Hair]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It's amazing to see what dogs are able to do for people.

[Lindsay]

I love stories like that. I would like to bring my dog to do some volunteering at a nursing home or hospital. I don't think there's any therapy better than a dog.

[Jimmy]

Mango.....what a gal! My kind of therapy.

[Therese]

We certainly do have a lot to learn from dogs, don't we?!

[Mary Jo and Hudson]

One more example on how giving and loving dogs are. What a touching story and one we can all learn something from. Mary Jo and Hudson

[LuLu and LoLLy!]

Dear Friendz, Well we had stopped by to say HI! sintz we have been MIA for a while (mainly becuz our Human adopted 2 rescue puppies and whew! have we bin buzy teaching them the ropes!, and anywhere here is this Two Paws UP! story about a fabulous doggy named Mango and we are very inspired and thank you for posting! Also, math is not our strong suit, but even we know 150 hours is very long, probably even more than a whole day! Love, your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy! http://www.luluandlolly.com

[levitra]

is very important to stay informed on these issues of such importance