Born to Serve. Joyce, Amber and Bella
Joyce Bristow has been a committed Therapy Dog trainer for years, a true animal lover and ceaseless giver to both animals and people alike. I have been privileged to meet her in person on several occasions.
Joyce operated a cat and kitten rescue at her previous home in Sacramento and gave tirelessly of her time and resources to numerous community projects. In October 2006 Joyce and Amber participated in the pilot program of the 'Reading to the Dogs' for Schools and were featured on TV. The R.E.A.D. program has since become extremely successful and has spread to other parts of the country and the world.
Joyce's devotion to others is documented in part below. In 2017 with her two (now departed to Rainbows Bridge) Therapy Cobberdogs, and her two Miniature ponies Tyke and his younger brother Cinco, she relocated to an idyllic lifestyle on their new dream property. KARMA found you Joyce! Congratulations! Love, Beverley and the Rutlands Australian Cobberdogs.
Joyce operated a cat and kitten rescue at her previous home in Sacramento and gave tirelessly of her time and resources to numerous community projects. In October 2006 Joyce and Amber participated in the pilot program of the 'Reading to the Dogs' for Schools and were featured on TV. The R.E.A.D. program has since become extremely successful and has spread to other parts of the country and the world.
Joyce's devotion to others is documented in part below. In 2017 with her two (now departed to Rainbows Bridge) Therapy Cobberdogs, and her two Miniature ponies Tyke and his younger brother Cinco, she relocated to an idyllic lifestyle on their new dream property. KARMA found you Joyce! Congratulations! Love, Beverley and the Rutlands Australian Cobberdogs.
Rutlands Lil Amber
Rutlands Lil Amber born 12th October 2003 -
Canine Good Citizen and Certified Therapy Dog at 6 months of age (Passed to the Rainbows Bridge 2018)
Canine Good Citizen and Certified Therapy Dog at 6 months of age (Passed to the Rainbows Bridge 2018)
"Amber was a non shedding Australian Cobberdog born in Victoria, Australia at Rutland Manor Breeding and Research Center. She arrived here in California on December 20, 2003 and was the best Christmas present anyone ever received. From the first day I picked her up she was the most outgoing, self-assured dog I have ever owned. Even after her long flight from Melbourne Australia she was not afraid or timid in any way. In April just four months after Amber arrived, I signed us up for an orientation and testing session with the local therapy dog organization - PAWS FOR HEALING - in Napa Caifornia. At this point amber was only six months old! And I had no expectation that she would pass the testing. However I wanted to know more about what I needed to be teaching, so I thought the day would be valuable for that reason.
To my considerable amazement, Amber passed all of the tests with flying colors So by the end of the day at just 6 months of age we were accepted as a Canine Therapy Team!"
To my considerable amazement, Amber passed all of the tests with flying colors So by the end of the day at just 6 months of age we were accepted as a Canine Therapy Team!"
'Rutlands Lil Jacqui' ('Bella')
Bella became a certified Therapy Dog at 5 months of age!
"Bella passed the testing with nearly perfect scores. She lost points for not wanting her mouth handled, but for the parts where she had to deal with patient situations she was absolutely flawless.I was so proud of her!! She even ignored all the treats on the floor during the obedience part. What a good girl." Joyce.
Bella became a certified Therapy Dog at 5 months of age!
"Bella passed the testing with nearly perfect scores. She lost points for not wanting her mouth handled, but for the parts where she had to deal with patient situations she was absolutely flawless.I was so proud of her!! She even ignored all the treats on the floor during the obedience part. What a good girl." Joyce.
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Reading to Dogs
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Every child brought a book to share and got to read one page. In some cases the whole class shared one book and each child read one page, then passed the book to the next one.
If anyone didn't want to read then they could pass. The dogs really loved it. At the end of each half-hour, they got treats and got to play with the kids. It was awesome."
If anyone didn't want to read then they could pass. The dogs really loved it. At the end of each half-hour, they got treats and got to play with the kids. It was awesome."
Amber and Bella
"We have been busy doing what we love - our therapy work. Here is a photo that was sent to us and we wanted to share with everyone. This was taken at an elementary school in Napa, California during their annual Read-A-Thon. We spent 3 hours there and our "audience" changed every half hour. Actually they were reading to the dogs.
"We have been busy doing what we love - our therapy work. Here is a photo that was sent to us and we wanted to share with everyone. This was taken at an elementary school in Napa, California during their annual Read-A-Thon. We spent 3 hours there and our "audience" changed every half hour. Actually they were reading to the dogs.
Working in the hospital 2007
Amber and Bella working in the Nursing Home Oct 2008
"I have also chosen to work with seniors, Alzheimer patients and a local hospital. Each facility we visit has its own requirements which have to be met in addition to the PAWS certification. Some of the seniors we work with are in rehabilitation for various injuries, stroke etc. Letting them throw the ball for her or brush her are actually good exercise for them and they love the extra attention. So many of our seniors get no visitors whatsoever and are doomed to a life of loneliness and depression.
Many of them have told me that they so look forward to our visits that it gives them a reason to get up in the morning. Helping these people even one day a week is something that is rewarding beyond my ability to express. Little Amber and Bella bring joy to all of these people and enriches my life every day of the week. I thank God for bringing them to me."
Joyce Bristow
Many of them have told me that they so look forward to our visits that it gives them a reason to get up in the morning. Helping these people even one day a week is something that is rewarding beyond my ability to express. Little Amber and Bella bring joy to all of these people and enriches my life every day of the week. I thank God for bringing them to me."
Joyce Bristow
Footnote: Amber and Bella have gone to Rainbows Bridge and Joyce is retired and enjoying her miniature ponies brothers Tyke and Cinco. But she was a pioneer of Cobberdog Therapy work for years in America and she deserves her place in history. Lest we forget.