Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA

Jasper

A Therapy Dog with owner Dave Tamilin

Jasper is a certified therapy dog. His owner, Dave Tamilin, is a member of Therapy Dogs International. Visit their web site for additional information

Jasper and Dave visit the MHA twice or more times each month. The primary objective of the TDI dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the members of the association. This is done in a way that increases emotional well being, promotes healing and improves the quality of life for people being visited and the attending staff.

View this short video shoot during their visit on Dec 18, 2008.

How to Behave Around Assistance Dogs

  1. Always speak to the person first. Do not make distracting noises to the dog.
  2. Always ask before you pet. Do not touch the service dog without first asking for and receiving permission.
  3. Never feed or offer food to a working dog. It distracts him and lures him away from his important job as an assistance dog.
  4. Do not let your dog initiate contact with a working dog while it is on duty.
  5. Do not ask personal questions about the person's disability or otherwise intrude on his or her privacy.

Source: Karyl Carmignani, Canine Companions For Independence

Dave and Jasper can be reached here in Erie at: drtamilin at hotmail dot com.