Kokomo (Koko) and Sukeroko (Suki) are probably two of the most unlikely Therapy Dogs around. When you envision Therapy Dogs, a picture of a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, or some other large dog probably comes to mind. Koko and Suki are both tiny Shih Tzus. They quickly became very popular with the residents of Nursing Homes and Pediatrics because of their size and their personalities. Since they are so small, they are able to be placed right in the laps and on the beds of the residents, and the manner of fear is very quickly dispelled.

Koko and Suki soon became used to the routine, and are a sight to be seen as they walk side-by-side, down the halls, stopping at each room and looking back, as if to say, "Hurry up, they're waiting for us!"

At the beginning of a visit to the elderly, the patients are usually set up in a recreation room in a circle. Each person takes their turn holding, cuddling and petting the dogs, and sometimes, one or two are unwilling to give them up. When the dogs have been held by all the patients, it's then time for the dog tricks, and this is my favorite time, because of all the laughing that goes on - and this is how we leave them - laughing and smiling!

When our time is up in the recreation room, we then make special visits to the rooms of patients who are immobile and therefore, unable to attend with the rest. The dogs are placed right in the beds and they usually make themselves right at home by laying down, or cuddling up with the patient. We usually talk about dogs or cats they have owned in the past, and they are encouraged to relate stories they may recall about their pets, as they lay there petting Koko and Suki.

When it's time to go, we always promise to return so that we give them something to look forward to, and they can trust that we will not forget them.

A little bit about Koko and Suki:

Even though Koko & Suki look so much like twins, they have two very different personalities. Koko, the oldest at 8 years old, is very animated, loves to dance around and tease, will kiss you forever, and has an uncanny way of speaking to you with his big, dark round eyes. He is so tolerant and forgiving, that when he goes to the Vet and gets a shot, he'll whimper from the pain of it, then turn around and give the Vet a great big kiss, as if to say, "That's okay, I forgive you!"

Suki, on the other hand, is 2 years old, very sedate and nonchalant.  He will stay in the position you place him in, with a look on his face that says, "You can do whatever you like, I'll sit here nice and pretty-like, just for you - ~dum-de-dum-de-dum~." Suki is also much like a small child who loves attention, and he will do anything for it. That is why he is the one that does all the tricks, and at the in-care facilities, he's the one who will perform for claps and adoration - he's such a little ham!

Owner's note:

I started getting interested in therapy dog work when I saw so many reports begin to appear on television; such as, 20-20, and other news sources, which documented how the use of therapy pets helped lower blood pressure, and generally helped the well-being of in-care patients. Knowing how my two dogs just loved people, I thought to myself, "How great that would be to bring some love and companionship to shut-ins." I took them to a certified dog therapy testing facility that was in my area, and , lo and behold, they both passed with flying colors!

When I mention what we do to others, the first response I get is usually, "Isn't that very depressing?" Well, you know, I first thought that would be the case also, but in reality, it turned out to be just the opposite. It is such a rewarding experience, you leave feeling wonderful, knowing that you and your dogs have brought smiles and hope to people who have had a major change in their lives. It gives them something to look forward to each month, and the anticipation of seeing the dogs again is a step in the right direction, as many of these same people would not even get out of bed from the feeling of loss. And if there was no hope of getting a patient to move an arm in therapy, just watch it move to pet one of these dogs when they are placed in front of them. I think that, in itself, should very aptly answer, "Isn't it very depressing?" NOT!