Daisy's Gift: How a Rescue Poodle Became a Therapy Dog
Abandoned at a vet clinic, Daisy the Poodle mix now brings comfort to hospital patients and nursing home residents as a certified therapy dog.
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An Uncertain Beginning
Daisy's story began in the most heartbreaking way. She was found tied to the front door of a veterinary clinic early one morning, with nothing but a worn collar and a note that read, "Please find her a good home."
"She was trembling when we found her," recalls Dr. Patricia Kim, the veterinarian who discovered Daisy that morning. "But even scared, she was so gentle. She licked my hand as if to say she understood we were trying to help."
The clinic contacted Paws of Hope Rescue, and Daisy began her journey toward a new life.
Finding Her Person
Dr. Amanda Reyes, a psychiatrist at Chicago Memorial Hospital, had been thinking about getting a dog for months. When she saw Daisy's profile on the rescue's website, something drew her in.
"It was her eyes," Amanda recalls. "Despite everything she'd been through, there was this warmth in them. I knew she was special."
Their first meeting confirmed Amanda's instincts. Daisy, despite her abandonment trauma, approached Amanda with cautious hope. Within minutes, she was curled up in Amanda's lap, finally relaxed.
A Natural Healer
It didn't take long for Amanda to notice Daisy's remarkable gift with people. The 4-year-old Poodle mix had an uncanny ability to sense when someone was upset and would respond with quiet, comforting presence.
"My neighbor was going through a divorce," Amanda shares. "She came over for coffee, clearly distraught. Daisy walked over, rested her head on my neighbor's knee, and just stayed there. My friend later told me it was the first time she'd felt calm in weeks."
This pattern repeated itself. Daisy seemed to gravitate toward those who needed comfort most, offering her gentle presence without expecting anything in return.
The Path to Certification
Recognizing Daisy's potential, Amanda decided to pursue therapy dog certification. The process involved temperament testing, obedience training, and specific preparation for working in healthcare settings.
"Daisy passed everything with flying colors," Amanda says proudly. "The evaluators commented on how intuitive she was—she seemed to know exactly what was expected of her."
After six months of training and evaluation, Daisy became a certified therapy dog through Pet Partners.
Making a Difference
Now, Daisy and Amanda spend several hours each week visiting patients at Chicago Memorial Hospital and residents at a local nursing home. The impact has been profound.
"There's a patient on the oncology floor who hadn't smiled in weeks," Amanda recounts. "The moment Daisy walked into her room, her face lit up. She spent thirty minutes petting Daisy and talking about her own dogs growing up. Her nurse said it was the most engaged she'd been since starting treatment."
At Sunshine Senior Living, Daisy has become a beloved regular. Residents light up when they see her fluffy white form coming down the hallway.
"For some of our residents, Daisy's visit is the highlight of their week," says activities director Jennifer Walsh. "She brings such joy and comfort. Several residents have told us that petting her helps them feel less lonely."
The Healing Goes Both Ways
Amanda believes that therapy work has been transformative for Daisy as well. The once-abandoned dog has found purpose and endless sources of affection.
"She knows when it's therapy day," Amanda laughs. "She gets so excited when I get her vest out. I think she understands that she's helping people, and it makes her happy."
The bond between Amanda and Daisy has deepened through their shared mission. They've become partners in healing, each supporting the other.
A Legacy of Love
From abandoned dog to certified healer, Daisy's journey exemplifies the remarkable potential within shelter animals. Her story has inspired several of Amanda's colleagues to adopt rescue dogs of their own.
"Daisy proves that rescue dogs aren't broken—they're just waiting for a chance to shine," Amanda reflects. "She was thrown away by someone who couldn't see her worth. Now she spends her days spreading comfort and joy. That's pretty amazing."
As if on cue, Daisy wags her fluffy tail and settles closer to Amanda, ready for their next adventure in healing hearts.
Interested in therapy dog work? Contact organizations like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International to learn about certification. Many rescue dogs have the temperament to become wonderful therapy animals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for questions about your dog's health, diet, or medical conditions.