Therapy Dog Blue

Notice something magical about Blue? He is an Australian Shepherd, but he looks a little different, doesn't he? Blue is unique because he has a special recessive gene that is rarely found in Australian Shepherds. This recessive gene gives him a "dilute recessive black" colored coat. Not quite black but not quite brown, his coat is only part of what makes him so special.

Blue's claim to fame is that he is the youngest dog in the history of Project Canine to pass his certification tests at just 4-months-old. He served as a therapy dog in a multitude of places until 2020.

Project Canine had to weather the Covid Pandemic, like we all did, but they are now up and running again. They are re-certifying their current therapy dogs, while welcoming in new dogs too. Blue's therapy dog career was put on hold for nearly 3 years, but when it was time to go back to work, he was ready!

Blue's life revolves around socialization, training and therapy dog visits. Like all therapy dogs, Blue lives in a home with his human partner. His job is to visit a variety of settings including retirement homes, nursing homes, hospice care facilities, and hospitals. With his quiet disposition and wise, kind eyes, Blue intuitively knows who needs him.

Therapy dogs, like Blue, support a person's mental health by providing comfort and attention, which can decrease stress and high blood pressure (along with many other health benefits).

Blue is a therapy dog, not a service dog, so anyone can enjoy his company. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs can be petted by anyone while they work. (with permission, of course). It is literally their job.

You can follow Blue on his adventures on Instagram.

Hugs to your dog!

Holly