From Awkward Puppy to Gentle Therapy Dog
Nancy Stanley talked with me about her book Pillow with a Heartbeat, in which she told the story of how her chocolate poodle, Truffles, went from being the runt of the litter to working with children as a very effective therapy dog. During this podcast episode we also talked about the differences between a therapy dog and a service dog, how she came to realize that Truffles would make a great therapy dog and the role that Truffles plays in the Make a Wish Foundation. Listen to this interview to find out more about the qualities that Nancy saw in Truffles that makes him a great therapy dog. Who knows? Your dog, cat or rabbit may have similar traits and would enjoy working with children, too!
BIO:
Nancy Stanley has been recognized as one of the modern day Animal Therapy Pioneers. She first introduced “Animal Therapy” to severely handicapped children and to convalescent hospitals for the elderly in 1982 after Founding Tender Loving Zoo, a nonprofit organization. Nancy also served as the National Media and Public Relations Director of Tender Loving Zoo.
As a spokesperson for equine welfare and rescue, Nancy works to support the retirement of thoroughbred horses in a transition to Equine Assisted Activities programs. She is active in the campaign against horse slaughter and is an Associate Producer and Advisory Board Member for the feature documentary film, “Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed”. As a Veterinary Assistant Nancy has worked and cared for a variety of animals and she formerly worked at the Los Angeles Zoo caring for baby gorillas.
Nancy authored and published “Pillow With a Heartbeat”, the heartwarming tale about a little dog, Truffles, who finds his big purpose. This book’s mission is to continue Truffles’ journey, bringing children of all nations together with Truffles as their “Pied Piper”, particularly children who are battling life-threatening diseases. Nancy Stanley is a wish- grantor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in San Diego. It was as a wish- grantor that Nancy was inspired by a very special child, to write “Pillow With a Heartbeat”.
Nancy serves on the board for Wild for Life Foundation and is an Advisory Board Member of the Wild Capture Awareness Campaign.