APRIL 2018 46 | {stories of perseverance} A 2ND ACT Judy Pearson | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rata, a cocker spaniel mix, would have wordlessly wagged her tail through an entire interview. But then you would never know the story of her second act, and those of 15,000 of her canine counterparts across the country. Rata — along with her owner Jeanette Sinohui — belongs to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an organization of dedicated dogs and humans on a mission to share smiles and joy. When Sinohui first met Rata as a puppy, she recognized something special in her. After she retired from teaching, Sinohui saw a television ad for therapy dogs. She knew immediately that that was Rata’s calling and called the hospital for details. Now, nine years later, Sinohui and Rata spend their time qualifying other human/canine teams to do what they do: spread companionship, tranquility and love. Four years ago, Sinohui was asked to join ATD’s national board of directors. “As a tester/observer for ATD, my job is to make sure dogs have the right temperament for therapy work, and that they and their owners have a good relationship,” Sinohui said. “The dogs are going to be exposed to new sights, sounds and smells in their work. They have to be comfortable with unfamiliar experiences, like elevators and stairs. All of that is way more important than if they’re stars at sitting and staying.” ATD’s testing process is simple and free of charge, as all of the humans involved are volunteers. Owners’ sole financial commitment is a $35 annual fee to cover the cost of their $5 million liability policy. Then they’re off, ready to visit whatever setting makes their hearts sing: medical settings, schools, even the airport. “We’ve just begun our presence at Sky Harbor,” Sinohui said. “We have over 35 dogs who calm passengers who’ve had delays, are anxious flyers, or are awaiting flights or passengers. The reaction in the terminals is fantastic. People’s faces change, they break into big smiles. They don’t want to talk to the handler, just the dog!” COLD NOSE, WARM HEART The Best Therapists Have Fur and Four Legs

APRIL 2018 | 47 ATD doesn’t put many constraints on their therapy dogs. Any dog over the age of 1, purebred or mixed, is eligible for testing. Sinohui’s guess, though, is that there are more rescues than pedigrees that come through the program. “I think people who rescue dogs are also more likely to give back,” she said. Dogs thrive when they have something to do. This kind of work gives them more purpose than just being a family pet, and purpose is what second acts are all about. One day, Rata was called in to visit a patient who was in a coma. The family asked Sinohui to put Rata on the bed, then they put the patient’s hands on her. Suddenly, and to everyone’s amazement, the patient’s fingers began to pet her. Even more amazing was when he regained consciousness and asked to see the little black dog that had been there while he was in his coma. “Most of our work is with adults,” Sinohui said, “but as a former teacher, I love going into schools. Magic happens when kids read one-on-one to the dogs. Rata and I worked with an 8 th grader who began reading in a low voice, hands and feet fidgeting. I told him it was OK to pet Rata while he was reading, and everything changed. He relaxed, stopped fidgeting, sped up and spoke up.” Love is a main ingredient of second acts. And the unconditional kind a dog gives — along with a wet nose and warm heart — makes it even better. For more information about the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, visit therapydogs.com. Judy Pearson is a journalist, published author, and the founder of A2ndAct.org. Her organization supports and celebrates women survivors of all cancers as they give back to the greater good in their 2nd Acts. Her passion is finding those who have healed themselves by helping others. The “dream team,” Jeanette Sinohui and Rata. Dogs visit neonatal ICU waiting rooms to comfort families. Here, they’re dressed in Wizard of Oz-themed cos - tumes for a reunion of NICU babies who are now healthy children.