Released on = February 18, 2007, 3:40 pm

Press Release Author = Hudson Valley Humane Society Visiting Pet Program

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = HVHS Visiting Pet Program will host the first-ever therapy
dog camp in October. Three days of workshops, hands-on learning and discussion
groups for therapy dog and handler teams.

Press Release Body = The first camp ever devoted to Animal Assisted Therapy - a
weekend of workshops, presentations, training sessions, and special events for dogs
and handlers -- will be held October 19 - 21 in Valley Cottage, NY on the campus of
The Tolstoy Foundation. The camp is being conducted by the Hudson Valley Humane
Society Visiting Pet Program.

The goal of the weekend is to improve the dog/handler bond and make every aspect of
pet therapy safer, more effective, and more rewarding. With an impressive faculty
roster, the weekend will be filled with invaluable information and interactive
events for both dogs and handlers. Each day will feature interesting topics,
hands-on workshops, debriefings, Q&A sessions, lively discussions, book signings,
door prizes, and plenty of networking and information-sharing opportunities.

Workshops will include:
Building Teamwork
Bridge & Target Training for Therapy Dogs
Grooming Tips for Therapy Dogs
Aromatherapy for Therapy Dogs and Handlers
Safe-Handling Skills and Equipment Review
The Invisible Visit
An Introduction to Intuitive Touch
An Introduction to Reading Education Assistance Dog® Programs
Legal Issues Affecting Pet Therapy
Body Language - Human and Canine
Putting It All Together
A Panel Discussion on Visiting Special Populations and Trends in Animal Assisted
Therapy

Dog/handler teams will also visit the Tolstoy Nursing Home on the campus for an
actual working therapy visit. The camp will conclude with a group portrait,
distribution of Certificates of Attendance, and a final review with Q&A.

The camp is limited to 20 dog/handler teams, a small size that allows for individual
attention. Dogs must be at least one year old, and the dog/handler team must be
registered with a national or regional pet therapy organization or come with a
letter of recommendation from a professional trainer. Each camper may bring one (1)
dog. All breeds, including mixed breeds, are welcome. Dogs must be calm, friendly,
quiet, healthy (with proof of current rabies vaccination), and crate-trained.
Included in the registration fee for each dog/handler team is an overnight private
room on campus in a dormitory setting. Meals will be served buffet style on campus.


A limited number of auditing opportunities (without dogs) will be available.
Auditors will participate fully in all workshops except those in which dogs are
working and receive all handouts and also receive meals on campus. Auditors coming
from out of town can stay in nearby motels.

The Hudson Valley Humane Society Visiting Pet Program is a non-profit Delta Society
affiliate that has been providing Animal Assisted Therapy, Activity and Education
since 1994.

The group's registered, trained and insured pets and their owners/volunteers bring
smiles and joy to the seniors and children they visit on a weekly basis. For those
interested in learning more about Animal Assisted Therapy the group conducts Delta
training throughout the year and provides on-going support, training and insurance.
HVHS Visiting Pet Program was founded by Dolores Schaub and CJ Puotinen, author of
The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care.

Teams include dog, cats and other pets and all handlers are volunteers. Those who
wish to get involved but do not have a pet can join as escorts. In addition to
Delta, the group is an associate of the renowned Reading Education Assistance Dogs®
program and offers animal assisted reading programs to libraries and schools in
Rockland, Bergen and Orange Counties. For more information visit their website at
www.HudsonValleyVisitingPets.com. Or call 845-267-8795.

The camp's fee for each dog/handler team is $485. Those who register by June 1, 2007
save $50 and pay only $435. Registration deadline is September 15, 2007. Auditors
pay $325 for the full weekend. One day audits will be permitted if space allows
(preference will be given to full-weekend auditors); rates are $120 for Friday, $130
for Saturday, and $90 Sunday. No early bird special for auditors. Limited spaces
available. All participants receive a camp T-shirt.

To register visit www.HudsonValleyVisitingPets.com or call 845-267-8795. You can
also send an e-mail to HVHSVisitingPets@aol.com.

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Web Site = http://www.HudsonValleyVisitingPets.com

Contact Details = Dolores Schaub or CJ Puotinen
HVHS Visiting Pet Program
104 Lake Street, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
HVHSVisitingPets@aol.com
845-267-8795