The Fur Angels Members Guide

Welcome to the Fur Angels!

We are excited to let you know that you are now a fully approved member of the group and ready to visit!

Your journey is just beginning, one that will be filled with stories of joy as you witness the difference the love of your dog will make in a person's life at that moment in time.

Please let us know if you have any questions, as we will always be available to help.

Steve Calcagno Director of The Fur Angels

​When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow it, the journey will teach you many things about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Crystal Ward Kent

The History of the Group

Mission Statement:

The Fur Angels is a non-profit organization with the motto of “Unconditional Love”. We are solely comprised of volunteers who offer compassion and that special love to those in need via the avenue of pet therapy.

We have seen our Fur Angels bring light to dim eyes; smiles to sad, lonely faces; and tears of joy to many because of the simple act of a dog’s kiss gently placed on someone’s face, a furry head resting on a lap, or a small dog snuggling close in a bed.

We hear joyful laughter at the silly antics of our Fur Angels and see people who have regained alert moments due to the attention of our dogs. The unconditional love offered by our dogs can help lower blood pressure and can cause pain to lessen; the benefits of pet therapy can enhance quality of life through development of the human/animal bond.

Goal:

Our goal is to form a network of caring individuals willing to share their special animals and, in turn, bring unconditional love, happiness and cheer to people of all ages.

What We Do:

We train our own personal dogs to succeed in spreading their special kind of comfort. Our high standards require all our dogs to be evaluated and temperament tested, as well as to pass therapy dog certification testing before they can become a Fur Angel and earn their wings. The Fur Angels provide registration, support, and insurance for members involved in pet therapy. We can also provide all levels of the Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Test and will be happy to advise you of those requirements but that testing is not mandatory.

History:

Our group was founded by Martha Hall in the fall of 1998 with only a handful of caring people. Today, we can proudly say that we have grown; allowing us to expand our pet therapy visits to more facilities and offering a wider range of programs such as visiting hospice patients, nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, schools, and conducting educational demonstrations on a regular basis. In addition, we are proud of our motivational reading program “Reading with the Angels”.

• Goals of Member Manual

• Types of Visits for Fur Angels

• Facility Leads

• Mentoring

• Pre-visit Preparation

• Handler Expectations

• Canine Expectations

• Fur Angel TEAM Expectations

• Visit Challenges

• Signs of Stress

• Fur Angels Website

• Visit Sign Up

• Help Desk

• Self Organized Visits

• Fur Angel Facebook Group

• Photo Etiquette

• WELCOME!

Goals of this Manual

• To provide support and guidance for new members as they begin their pet therapy career.

• Build confidence for both human and dog

• Increase overall ability of all members

• Represent The Fur Angels with a professional approach

• Provide ability for anyone to step up and take a contributing role.

• HAVE FUN!

Membership

Dues

$25 per year for Member with a dog (No charge for additional certified dogs)

$10 per year for Members without a dog

● Between November 1 - December 15, Renewal Forms will be located on the TheFurAngels.com website. In the upper right corner, click on the MORE tab. Scroll down to MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION. (password: sitstay)

● Submit proof (photo) of your membership card or documentation showing valid, current membership of Bright & Beautiful, Alliance or Mid-Michigan therapy dog organizations. There are two options to provide us with this information:

*Upload your photo directly using the online renewal form

*Mail a photocopy to: 511 Olde Towne Rd., PO Box 80793, Rochester, MI 48308-0793

● Payment Options: Venmo, PayPal, or by Check via mail

○ Checks are payable to The Fur Angels and mailed to: 511 Olde Towne Rd, PO Box 80793, Rochester, MI 48308-0793

● New members who join after October 1st will be required to complete the Renewal Form but will not be required to pay $25 for that year.

● If you have questions or need assistance with the form, please go to the Fur Angel Website and submit your question to the Help Desk. (Password: sitstay) Someone from our Volunteer Team will reach out shortly.

Health/Vet Records

These should be updated yearly and sent to your Dog Certification Organization when you apply each year (Bright & Beautiful, Alliance, or Mid-Michigan)

● Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis or DHLPP, Bordetella vaccines must be current and up to date

Types of Visits:

Visitors:

● Young Kids

● Teens

● College Age

● Elderly

● Hospital/Rehab/Nursing Centers

● Community Events

● Travelers of All Ages

• Walking to Visitors

• Hospitals

• Nursing Centers

• Rehabilitation centers

• Classrooms

• Stationary

• Visitors approach

• Strolling

• Through crowdsindoor and outdoor

Facility Lead:

• Primary contact for facility staff.

• Sets the dates/times and forwards to Sign Up crew.

• Check Sign Up for who is listed to visit.

• Reach out to Facility Lead if you:

• have questions

• need to cancel last minute

• have suggestions

• have concerns about visit

• If you want to be a Lead, let us know!

Mentoring for Success!

When you join the group, you will be assigned a mentor. This is a person who can help you with any questions relating to the group

• Geared to build confidence!

• Assignment within first month of acceptance

• 1-2 visits together – longer if necessary OR desired

• Intro to other members

• Gather tips for handling your dog AND visitors

• Sounding board for questions and concerns

Pre-Visit

Prep : Prepare Yourself

• Proper Attire -

• Fur Angels Apparel if you have it

• Comfortable, close-toed shoes

• Long pants Fall through Spring

• No ripped/ragged jeans

• Credentials (Badges) on display

What to Bring

• 4 ft. Leash

• Fur Angel bandana

• Backpack, cross-body or fanny pack type of bag.

• Water for you & your dog

• Clean up supplies

• Trading cards

• Phone for photos & communication with team

• Fun attitude and smiles!

Pre-Visit Prep:

What NOT to Bring:

• Treats or Food – leave in the car!

• Carry as little as possible– you need hands free to handle your dog

• Toys or squeaky items that will distract other teams

• Kids, other dogs, spouse, etc.

• Negativity

Prepare your Dog:

● Groom, brush and handle stinky breath before visits!

● Outfits & costumes when appropriate – but not at expense of comfort

● Take time to potty your dog before entering facility

● Socialites that need time to settle - arrange to meet others early

● Attach Fur Angel Bandana

Expectations of a Handler:

▪ Take a deep breath, RELAX!

▪ SMILE – even in a mask

▪ Avoid nose to nose greetings between dogs

▪ Introduce yourself and your dog

▪ Get to same level as the people you are visitingkneel for kids, wheelchairs, bedside, etc.

▪ ENGAGE with the people you are visiting

Additional Handler

Expectations:

○ Try to get conversation started

○ You know your dog best! If your dog seems “off” or not enjoying his/her job, remove yourself and your dog.

○ Your dog comes first - Advocate for your dog!

○ Above all – stay positive!

Canine Expectations:

• Perfection is NEVER expected

• Ability to settle in after a few minutes

• No barking, growling, jumping on people

• No aggression toward other dogs

• He/she should ENJOY the visit!

• Do not feel bad if your dog is ‘off’ and needs to exit the visit

• It’s ok to leave, refocus and try again

Fur Angel TEAM Expectations:

• Communicate respectfully with facility staff

• Communicate respectfully with each other

• Keep dogs from nose to nose interactions

• Give other teams space to enjoy visit

• Keep your dog on leash & not interacting with other dogs

• Have each others backs

• Be supportive!

Visit Challenges

Tips and Strategies for a Successful Visit!

High Energy Kids & Adults - This can agitate and excite your dog. For kids, enlist the teacher to give the children a lesson BEFORE the visit on proper behavior around therapy dogs. It’s ok to remind children that therapy dogs are trained to be calm, and the best way to approach them is slowly and quietly. Politely explain to visitors that they would also not like it if someone they did not know rushed them and was in their face. If behavior continues, it is okay to remove yourselves and your dog.

Pulling Tail/Ears/etc. - Even adults do this sometimes! Politely remind the visitor that getting the dog agitated will only shorten the visit - then redirect to point out your dog’s favorite spots for pets. Fur Angel Teams are great educators!

Food Distractions - As a therapy dog team you MUST be on the lookout for food distractions! This is common in nursing homes and classrooms/lunchrooms. It’s your job to see the food before your dog, and avoid it, manage it. Tell your dog to ‘leave it’ and continue to be vigilant. It’s helpful to warn other teams as well!

Dog Not Enjoying the Visit - if you dog is constantly pulling to leave or generally not enjoying the visit – you’ll know it. Don’t push. You can encourage, but never force a visit. It’s okay to make your apologies and tell the visitor your dog is tired or having an off day. Don’t feel bad about leaving early. If you feel like your dog needs a break, it’s ok to exit and return once your dog is relaxed and ready to continue.

Dog on Dog Aggression - Since visitors and other teams can be hurt in a scuffle, dog on dog aggression cannot be tolerated. It’s best to read your dog and notice potential issues before they begin. Read your dog’s signs. If a bout does occur, place yourself between the dogs and back your dog away to break the eye contact and energy. Leave the event if you need to. Report this occurrence to Steve and Rose promptly. This does not mean the end of your therapy career – but you need to work with Steve and Rose to manage the issue.

Visitors Asking You For Help – If a nursing home resident asks for assistance or wants help (getting up or walking or to the restroom etc.), it is hard to say no to someone in need. However, you are not there to provide care and it could result in injury to you or the visitor. You are there to share your dog with them and brighten their day. Please find a staff member for any urgent needs.

Visitors Dealing With Grief – There are many situations where words are of no help or comfort. This is the exception to ‘engage with the visitor’ suggestion. In these situations of loss or fear, it’s okay to be quiet. Introduce your dog and let him/her do the work. The canine language of love is the best medicine for broken hearts.

People that Fear Dogs – You’ll learn to read body language and pick up when a visitor is fearful of dogs. Please don’t force your dog on people. It’s a good idea to ask politely if they would like a visit from your fluffy friend while keeping your dog close to your side. Don’t be offended if they reject the invitation. Make sure they know you understand and it’s totally fine! IF the visitor is willing, turn your dog facing you so the person can briefly touch the dog's back or area near the tail; this often is enough to break the ice. Having the dog sit, down, stay, shake hands, or other tricks may also help the person see how well behaved your dog is.

Safety in Medical Facilities – In some hospital/nursing home situations, patients are dealing with illnesses, injuries, medical conditions, and monitoring devices that are particularly ‘smelly’ to your dog. It is your job to redirect and focus the dog on the visit. Additionally, there will be catheters, IVs and other medical items that your dog may tangle in. Be aware and do your best to avoid these items. Have your dog visit from a distance if necessary. If you need to back away and visit from a few feet away, that is fine.

Non-Verbal Visitors – In some nursing home/hospital settings OR special needs classrooms, you may interact with visitors that are non-verbal. If you don’t get a response when trying to interact, don’t assume they cannot hear or understand you. Ask if it’s okay if you and your dog approach You may be able to read a response with a nod or reaching out. If not, let teachers and nursing staff take the lead here, and if they allow it, proceed. Some non-verbal visitors will light up in their eyes or smile when they feel the soft fur of your Fur Angel.

and don’t forget to smile….!

Watch for Signs of Stress in Your Dog:

• Yawning, panting, drooling, licking excessively

• Ears back, tail tucked, low head

• Side eye – whale eye

• Clingy to you and disengagement with visitors

• Continually looking to exit

Bottom Line: Your dog is your priority – listen to what they are telling you and leave if you need to!

The Fur Angels Website

MEMBERS SECTION:

*Information from Steve and Rose in the ‘Official Fur Angel News’ section

*SignUp calendar to volunteer to sign up for visits

*Additional forms and links:

SignUp

We use SignUp to schedule visits. You will need to create a free account to access the Fur Angel calendar.

1) Create an account

How to create a free account on SignUp:

Go to Signup.com

In the right upper corner, click REGISTER

Enter your information, click “I am not a ROBOT’ and click CONTINUE

Click on the link below for: SignUp Instructions

2)Sign up as needed.

There are four options:

1. Visit our Fur Angel Website in the Membership section for the live google calendar to sign up for events.

2.Use the link to go directly to our SignUP group page: https://signup.com/go/tNQzeKb

3.Add this link to your google calendar: https://signup.com/go/FADTGSignup

4. Add the live calendar directly to your smart phone’s home screen.

Important Note:

This is a ‘LIVE’ calendar on our Fur Angel Website that you can visit and look at all upcoming events at any time. The calendar will be updated as new events are scheduled. It will be important for you to check the calendar regularly and look for events that need volunteers.

Need Help?!

Stuck

Want to Volunteer?!

The Fur Angels group is completely run by volunteers. Help in any form is appreciated. If you would like to help, please email us at: The FurAngelsCoreTeam@gmail.com

Self-Organized Visits

Do you sometimes wish you could just grab a friend and just go and visit? Then you wonder if that is breaking the group rules? Let’s be really clear……

Self-Organized Visits are Absolutely Encouraged!

Find a place, take at least one Fur Angel, follow the procedures in this book and go visit!

Use Facebook to ask for someone to come with you - it is why the group exists.

This is a private page just for our group. You can connect with other members and help us build a sense of community.

Below is a link to our “members only” Facebook Group!

The Fur Angels Therapy DogMembers Group | Facebook

This is a place where members can dialogue and share thoughts, ask questions, and invite you to events.

Photo Etiquette

Pictures taken at Fur Angel events CAN be posted to our private group page on Facebook as long as they follow the guidelines below.

Pictures taken at Fur Angel events must NOT be posted to personal pages on Facebook.​

There are special rules for photos of children being posted to our Facebook private group:

● Pictures of children (anyone under the age of 18) should not show their faces.

● Pictures where the children cannot be identified are ok to post on our private group page.

● You can show the back or sides of children interacting with our dogs as long as the child's face cannot be identified.

This has been a hot topic in some of the school districts that we visit and it is important that we follow proper guidelines and policies regarding photos on social media. Please be mindful that some parents have not given permission and do not want their child's photo on any type of social media, even private pages.

It is important that we are all educated so we can take the proper precautions when posting anything to social media.

Revision 2 - 9-24-2023