After Layla became comfortable and confident in her new home it became apparent to me that she possessed a unique ability to sense when her people or their guests were distressed, upset, or just needed a friend. She would respond to that need by presenting herself to them using the nuclear option of sitting up and quietly waiting for their invitation. Once invited to a lap, it’s truly amazing to watch as she calms that person and brings them peace and relaxation. Even people that I know who are less than fond of dogs respond positively to her and have become her fans. It was clear to me that Layla had a gift that needed to be shared; so when my husband showed me the Prescription: Pets Therapy Dogs recruitment ad, I jumped at the opportunity.

Training for Layla began in earnest after I attended the Prescription: Pets Workshop on How to Became a Therapy Dog Team in early 2016. I learned what would be required of her to become a therapy dog. I taught Layla the basic commands: sit, stay, leave it, heal and to follow on a a loose leash without becoming distracted. She learned these commands quickly and moved into her role as a certified therapy dog with Prescription: Pets in June 2016. It is always a marvel to watch her as she shares herself and her calming influence with those confronting the challenges of life in various local facilities such as the Veteran’s Home, assisted living and memory care units.

That Layla was destined to become a diva was apparent when she was picked up in Stockton where someone noted on her intake form “she sits pretty.” From the streets of Stockton to therapy dog in just eighteen months is a miracle journey for a tiny and frightened puppy to who now weighs a healthy nine pounds and is full of love and confidence