Lance, One Remarkable Therapy Dog

Move over Lassie, there's a more heroic dog in town!  A five year old paralyzed dachshund recently made headlines because of the role that he plays as a pet therapy dog.  Once a week, Super Lance, a nickname given to him by adoring fans, visits Miami Children's Hospital and serves as inspiration to the youngsters who spend their days recovering from serious illnesses and lifesaving surgeries.  The pint sized pooch had his spinal cord damaged by two herniated discs which made it possible to get around without assistance.  Caio Stinchi, Lance's owner ordered a custom-made wheelchair for the dog and he rediscovered the pleasure of gaining his mobility back.  That gave Stinchi an idea.  She and her husband registered Lance as a therapy dog and make weekly visits on Tuesdays.  The children and nurses look forward to his visits where each patient receives a sticker with a picture of Super Lance and a booklet containing the dog's courageous story.  A mural in the hospital's main lobby is testimony to the success of the program.  Lance is included in the scene.

Therapy Dogs Inc., based in Wyoming, helped the couple train, test, and register Lance.  As part of the therapeutic process, the dog is not allowed to bark because it can startle and scare the children.  He also is not allowed to lick the patients or their families because of strict hospital guidelines.

Children love to take Lance for a walk.  His unique condition makes it easier for young people to sympathize with him.  The patients and staff at the hospital are all smiles the minute the dog walks through the door.

To find out how you can register your pet as a therapy animal, visit Therapy Dogs Inc.  There you will find the forms that you need to fill out to have your dog tested for the program.