Airdrie's Adult Day Program, run by Alberta Health Services (AHS), recently acquired a new addition - a four-legged, furry addition named Watson who stops by for visits at Bethany Airdrie for pet visits.

The two-and-half-year-old cockapoodle's owner, Crossfield resident Heather Wald, said that Watson's foray into becoming a therapy dog was one of a bit of chance and a lot of training.

"When we got Watson, we went on vacation and we were at the airport and they have visitation therapy dogs at the airport. They were very friendly," Wald said. "Once we got talking with the two folks that were at the airport, my husband turned to me right away and said, 'Oh my goodness, we should do this with Watson.'"

Wald added that people are naturally drawn to him, which is understandable - he has an adorable face a very calm disposition and impeccable manners. And so, a little over a year ago, Wald began training Watston to be a visitation therapy dog. While the training isn't as strenuous as what service dogs go through, Watson nonetheless went through quite a bit of training, starting with the Canadian Kennel Club's (CKC) Canine Good Neighbour program.

Watson’s certifications include the CKC Canine Good Neighbour, Do More With Your Dog Advanced Trick Dog, and Level 1 Therapy Dog Training. Wald said she is planning to have Watson go through a final test with St John’s Ambulance in the New Year.

When asked how Watson ended up stealing everyone's hearts at the Adult Day Program, Wald said that she was contacted by her volunteer coordinator who had in turn been contacted by AHS. AHS had inquired about a therapy dog and it seemed this was the golden opportunity for Watson.

During Watson's visit, Wald said that his adorable tricks never failed to elicit a cheer and clapping from the participants in the program. When asked what were some of the most memorable interactions between Watson and the participants, Wald said that it's often those who at first are a bit shy and then bit by bit warm up to the dog.

"One lady in particular didn't want to interact with the dog at all and wanted to stay apart from the dog, which is just fine. But then as our visits have continued she will stay and that's wonderful," she said. "There is another participant who likes dogs, but doesn't want to interact and now he will pet Watson. You can see the change of behaviour and the brightness in their faces and how they want to participate with him."

Wald added that there is something to be said about the power and healing of animals.

"Humans are created to enjoy comfort and companionship and innately a dog's job is to be loyal to you. There's no backstabbing, no ghosting. A dog's wired to just give themselves to you as a companion, so it's like a perfect fit."

She said that recently, Watson has also been invited to the Didsbury adult day program and she hopes to continue to volunteer through the AHS adult day program as well as other venues in the future.

"I like helping people. I like serving others whether it's with a dog or not, it's something I enjoy... and I also love dogs." 

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