Logan the service dog takes therapy in stride

BANGOR – Just when you think the world has gone to the dogs, sometimes it’s the dogs that are the most helpful.

Logan is a 6-year-old male golden retriever who has been working as a therapy dog for three years.

“I work at the Glenburn School and he goes to school with me three days a week,” said Logan’s owner, Kathleen Kazmierczak.

Logan usually goes to the school Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The pair walk through the halls so pupils can pet Logan and talk to him. At times he goes out on the playground with them, she said, providing comfort and making everyone feel good.

“He certainly enjoys his roles,” Kazmierczak said of Logan, who also visits nursing homes. He was invited to attend an older gentleman’s birthday party at one nursing home, and his participation was very special to the man, she said.

Logan got his training from Green Acres Kennel Shop, which offers a Canine Good Citizenship program, as well as the Therapy Dogs International program. Dogs have to pass a test before they qualify as therapy dogs, Kazmierczak said.

The dogs have to learn and maintain very good behavior in different settings. For example, they are trained not to jump on people or take food that isn’t offered to them. It also is important for them to be calm around handicapped people and to take offered food gently, she said.

“They’re a real gentle breed of dog,” Kazmierczak said of golden retrievers, while adding, “Any dog can be a therapy dog, though.”

Logan also works once or twice a week in newspaper and television advertising for Down East Toyota.

“He’s known as their service dog over there,” said Kazmierczak.

Logan also attends doggie day care at Bear Brook Kennels on Tuesdays before he goes to work at the auto dealership.

For information about Canine Good Citizenship and Therapy Dogs programs, call Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop at 945-6841.