We are very excited to announce a very special staff accomplishment at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic. SLP Jennifer and Ritter have completed the training to have Ritter become Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic’s resident therapy dog.
Ritter started his Therapy Dog (In Training) program at ESHC on April 4, 2011. Given parent/patient consent, Ritter has had the opportunity for real-life training by participating in animal-assisted activities within treatment sessions with both pediatric and adult patients. After achieving success with part-time training twice-weekly in the Redmond office, Ritter began training full-time in both the Redmond andKirkland offices on May 25, 2011.
Presently, Ritter participates in a variety of session tasks, based on patient preferences, including regular dog-activities such as greeting patients and having them pet him, playing jointly with patients using dog toys, and allowing patients to brush his fur. Ritter also enjoys participating in play activities with children including taking turns popping bubbles, pretend play such as dress up or doctor, playing board games, and looking at/listening to stories. If not being used in a therapy session, Ritter gets to catch a nap on his blanket.
We are so proud and excited to welcome Ritter as an official member of the ESHC staff.
Become friends with Ritter and follow his journey at Facebook.com/rittertherapydog.
