Category: Testimonials

Just a note to let you know what Tucker’s been up to. He was given the Rising Star award at Northern Westchester Hospital. There were over eighty awards given to nurses, doctors, administrators, technicians, etc., Tucker was the only dog (first in the history of the hospital).

After we finished with your class we continued on with daily practice… Then… We went down to the ASPCA and passed the Delta evaluations. I expect that we will be starting visits to Ronald McDonald House in a few weeks.

I wanted to thank you for all the help and encouragement you gave us. We could not have done it without you.

Dick and Tucker – Bedford Hills, NY

 

The handling skills that I learned with my dog, Sophie, in Lisa Edwards’ AAT class gave us a wonderful foundation for the visiting that we began soon after completing the course.

In the area where we live, there are dog/handler classes for obedience, rally agility and tracking, but none that teach the skills specific to therapy work, so we commuted from upsate NY to Mahopac for the 10 week class.

There’s no doubt in my mind that I would do it again without hesitation.

The exercises, the work amidst distractions and the role playing gave meaning to the material we studied and prepared us “for the real world.”

Being able to practice and hone our handling skills under Lisa’s watchful eye gave me confidence and helped build a relationship of trust with my dog.

I have no doubt that we are a stronger team because of her class.

Jean and Sophie – Ithaca, NY

 

One thing that impressed me the most about Lisa’s classes is that there are no “stars” (either human or pet). Everyone participates – with the same goal – to help the other humans and pets understand and enjoy each other a little better.

After just two classes with both of my dogs in the same class, the change was obvious to me and to all who visited our home. The dogs’ demeanors changed drastically for the better – toward guests and toward each other. And the best part – no more pulling on leashes and no more need for the Gentle Leader.

Lisa’s knowledge and intuitiveness of dog behavior was readily apparent from the first class and from the respect she gets from the outset from the owners of and from the dogs. More importantly, Lisa makes the class fun for all, and heaven knows, we humans sometimes have to chill.

Thanks to Lisa, Cobber and I passed the Delta evaluation (although I’m still peeved that Cobber received a higher score than I did) and we look forward to doing visits in conjunction with the HEART Program. And, time permitting, I will be back in the Spring for the Delta class with Dodger.

Cobber, Donald, and Dodger – Garrison, NY

 

Dear Lisa,

Had it not been for your knowledge, patience and creativity we would not have passed the Delta evaluation. After failing twice I was beginning to think that this might not be for us.

Orville and I had been to other trainers without success. No other trainer was able to figure out how to get Orville to understand the requirements for being a therapy dog were different from his former experience as a show dog.

Thank you for giving us the ability to participate in his gratifying experience. Orville and I have been doing a lot of therapy work and as you predicted he is perfect for the job.

There is a boy in the local Children’s Hospital, who is waiting for a heart to be transplanted and he loves Orville. Orville has also become attached to him and when we go into his room Orville jumps up on the bed and does his lap dog routine. Yesterday while on a visit two Pediatric Cardiologists came in to examine the little boy. I had previously told him that I would be back on Tuesday. The doctors informed him that he was going to have a diagnostic procedure done either Tuesday or Wednesday. The little boy replied that Tuesday would not work for him. The doctors asked why not Tuesday and he replied Orville will be visiting.

Lisa I know it is your profession but I have to thank you again for helping both of us have these incredible experiences.

With my very best regards,

Michael Galuskin – West Nyack, NY