.
A little education: Timmy is a mixed breed (mutt) of Labrador-Springer-Basset mix. He was the runt of the litter that was being give away at the Dewart Horse Auction by Allenwood PA.
We got Timmy when he was about 6 weeks old. His birthday is April 15, 1999. We got Timmy as a pet.
After about 6 months of having Timmy I started to notice that I was no longer having to pull over for naps (due to my Narcolepsy) while driving. Once I realized that Timmy had a special talent I started to study the matter.
Timmy has enabled me to once again become independent and more importantly changed from being a pet to becoming a "service dog" which has the same legal access as a blind persons "guide dog" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA with regards to service animals supersedes all state, county, local laws and health department regulations that ban animals from public places.
While learning about service animals, I also began to hear about "therapy dogs". Because of Timmy's outgoing nature, we had him tested In February of 2001. Timmy was certified as a Therapy Dog. Vonnie also is a Therapy Dog handler.
Therapy dogs have no legal rights when it comes to public access which is why certification is so important to hospitals and other institutions in knowing that the dogs have met standards and are covered by insurance.
A service dog is not a therapy dog nor is a therapy dog a service dog. This makes Timmy an unusual dog as he is both.
While Timmy has worked several nursing homes, we have kind of specialized with hospital work.
Timmy and Vonnie at Salvation Army
canteen at Ground Zero
.
Memorial Service for Sirius at Liberty State Park Wednesday April
24, 2002
Sirius a Port Authority Police Dog gave his life on September 11 so others may
live.
Timmy got Goofy on Christmas Day
Manassas, VA get together of service dogs on November 15, 2003
Neil, Timmy, Vonnie and Secret Service Agent
at White House
following tour March 2001
Timmy takes time out from vacation to do some "therapy" at
Hooters at Daytona Beach Fl on 12/30/01.
©2003 Neil A. Young All rights reserved. Please request permission to use photos.
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