Therapy Dogs International Announces New Therapy Dog Title & Publishes All Title Awardees on Website

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- TDI® awarded the first titles for Therapy Dogs in 1998 to help drive volunteership and recognize its top notch dog handlers and four-legged therapists.

As a benefit of Membership, TDI® Members now have the opportunity to earn up to six titles by dedicating their time to visit those in need of the special healing joy only a Therapy Dog can provide. For their service, awardees receive a Certificate of Achievement and a special commemorative gift specially designed for each TDI® title.



The following is a list of available TDI® Therapy Dog Titles:

•TDI Active, 50 Documented Visits

•TDI Active Outstanding Volunteer,150 Total Documented Visits

•TDI Remarkable Volunteer Achievement, 250 Total Documented Visits

•TDI Exceptional Volunteer Achievement, 350 Total Documented Visits

•Tail Waggin’ Tutors Achievement Award,100 Documented Reading    Program Visits

             Newest Therapy Dogs International® Title

•TDI Gold Achievement Award, 500 Total Documented Visits

Therapy Dogs International’s Newest Title – TDI Gold will be awarded to dog handlers who accumulate a total of 500 documented Therapy Dog visits. Awardees of this golden achievement will receive a commemorative plaque and a special gift.
 
“Since the inception of the program in 1998, we have kept adding titles because the interest has been incredible,” says TDI® President (CEO) Ursula Kempe. “That was the inspiration for TDI Gold.”

“Our intention has always been to generate as many visits as possible,” says Kempe. “Titles aren’t the reason our members give their time but they do inspire more visits. In the end, everybody is a winner.”
 
Therapy Dogs International is always on the look-out for proud handlers and their canine companions interested in serving their communities. For more information, or to learn how to join, visit  http://www.tdi-dog.org or call 973-252-9800.  

Since its founding in 1976, Therapy Dogs International has cultivated a dedicated membership of qualified Handlers and Therapy Dogs. As of December 31, 2010 TDI® had approximately 24,000 dog/handler teams volunteering to provide comfort, companionship and plenty of smiles to hospital patients, nursing home residents, school children and countless others at facilities throughout the United States.

Contact: Ursula A. Kempe, President (CEO)
Therapy Dogs International®
88 Bartley Road
Flanders, New Jersey
www.tdi-dog.org
973-252-9800