Therapy animals help put some bark into residents' lives

When Yuma pooches Coco la Ruex and Bently see their mom get out the stroller, they immediately know they're going for a special ride.

The petite pair are just two of the dogs in the Yuma County chapter of Love on a Leash, a local organization that provides therapy for local residents.

The organization was founded in 1984 by San Diego County resident Liz Palika, a dog trainer and award-winning author. The group is a nonprofit run by volunteers.

With tales wagging, the group spends a few minutes on the sidewalk across from Bee Hive Homes in Yuma - that's their time to calm down, get their work vests put on - and, of course, take a second to greet their friends.

Yuma Chapter President Marsha Work said they accept membership from all breeds and all ages more than one year old.

Her dog, Brutus, a labradoodle, isn't just a member. He's also the father of a member.

"His son is also certified," she said.

Work said the Yuma chapter has 18 dog-owner members who visit Hospice patients, schools and nursing facilities.

And before they can even hit the pavement, the dogs have to meet a few requirements.

Work said they have to be at least a year old, healthy, have all their shots and be clean. Beyond that they have to be well behaved and at ease around humans.

Then, there are 10 training sessions before the dog can be certified as a therapy dog - that's when they earn the blue vest they don for therapy visits.

Work said everybody loves it when the dogs come around.

Amalia Ruvalcaba, a caregiver at Bee Hive, agrees.

"They bring good memories," she said. "It makes us feel good because they feel good."

Resident Tim Becker said "I love 'em," and their visits always cheer him up.

Scrappy, one of the newest certified of the group, is a white "All American" breed.

His mom Lena Fawson said she's happy to be a part of the group.

"I had always wanted to get into pet therapy, but I didn't know there was a group here in Yuma," she said.

Work said the group is currently looking for new members.

Connie Morris, owner of Bee Hive, said she thought it was a great idea when the group sent a letter to her asking if they could come by and bring the dogs.

"It just kind of breaks up the day," she said. "It breaths a little bit of life into (everyone)."

For more information about the group, including how to join, contact Marsha at (928) 580-1903 or Delores at (928) 726-6565.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.