101-Pound Therapy Dog A Big Hugger

June 19--Whenever 4-year-old Cody walks into a room, the place erupts in smiles. There is something about his presence that sets people at ease, erasing tensions. The first reaction most people have when they meet Cody is to give him a big hug.

Cody is good at hugs; in fact he specializes in them. Cody isn't a little boy -- he is a 101-pound Bouvier des Flandres therapy dog, owned and handled by Bill Hoke, who also happens to be a Clyde firefighter.

Together Cody and Hoke visit nursing homes, schools, libraries and other places that stand to benefit from his very special skill set.

When Cody was about a year old, Hoke saw an ad by Therapy Dogs International about an upcoming evaluation session and thought he might make a good therapy dog, due to his calm and steady personality. So he contacted the therapy dog certification agency and scheduled a date for Cody to be tested.

All dogs and handlers who wish to work in a therapeutic setting must pass a rigorous testing and be certified before they can work in most settings in order to ensure that they will not be a liability.

The certifying agency ensures the dogs are healthy; have the appropriate temperament for the work, plus provide insurance and ongoing training opportunities.

The evaluation consists of a series of tests -- in groups with other dogs and as individuals -- in which the dogs must not react to each other or to a variety of simulated situations similar that which they may encounter in therapy work.

In addition to basic obedience commands, they interact with children, wheelchairs, walkers, loud noises and other things that might unsettle a dog.

Hoke said Cody passed with flying colors.

"He was just unshakable; nothing bothered him. I had a feeling he would do well, but it turned out he was perfectly suited for this type of work," he said.

While Cody enjoys all people and truly seems to love his work, he really shines when working with the elderly.

Walking through the halls of the Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation on his way to the therapy room, Cody's demeanor seems to change. He walks taller, holds his head higher and seems to know his important role here.

As he enters the room at Hoke's side, his tail begins to wag at the sight of a room full of seniors and therapists awaiting his visit.

It's therapy time at the nursing home and patients are lined up in a semi-circle, seated in chairs and wheelchairs with several occupational therapists assisting them in their exercises.

Cody is a much-loved frequent visitor to these sessions and the therapists all know and love him too. Their jobs can be stressful at times. Cody brings joy to their day that lifts their spirits and stays with them throughout the day.

"He commands the room. Everybody just lights up when he comes in. He is such a gentle giant," said therapist Iesha Smith. "We all just love him to pieces."

His effect on the residents is immediate. Some who were sitting listlessly in their chair sit up and reach for the large furry canine, whose height makes him easy to reach from their seated position.

Hands, stiff with arthritis, gently caress Cody's back as he passes by.

Then Cody does something special. He seems to zero in instinctively on a patient who seems to need him most.

There is no outward indication of how Cody knows to go to this patient, but rather his keen awareness of human need that draws him.

Occupational therapist Barb Carroll calls what Cody does next therapeutic pressure. Cody sidles up next to a patient and ever so carefully leans his body weight against them.

That pressure she said is good for patients, it has a calming effect, lowering blood pressure and providing comfort and at times, gentle encouragement.

"There is no doubt that some patients try harder when Cody is here. Even non-verbal patients react more and are more active when he is present," she said.

While therapy continues around him, Cody goes slowly, with little guidance, from one resident to another, accepting their pets or hugs and giving gentle pressure to those who need it.

His doggy grin is evidence that he is enjoying his work.

Hoke watches carefully, reading Cody's mood and actions, watching for signs of fatigue that eventually crop up. By the end of the half-hour session, it is clear that his work is taking a toll on Cody. Like any human who gives so much, the batteries need to be recharged and Cody is good at letting Hoke know when he has reached his limit.

For the residents, having Cody around eases their therapy sessions, but he also reminds them of pets that had to be left behind or beloved animals owned in days gone by.

One resident joked, "That's not a dog; that's a little horse," delighted by the massive, gentle dog who leaned in for attention.

As a handler, Hoke is skilled and patient, letting Cody dictate how long he serves and guiding his encounters to make the experience great for both Cody and those he assists.

He came about his skill with dogs during his time in the service, where he handled canines. In addition to Cody, he and his wife own three other Bouvier des Flandres dogs, two of whom are rescues.

The rare herding breed was developed in Belgium and imported to the United States. The dogs were bred for farm work, herding, even cart pulling. They are known for their gentle, protective nature, which is highly evident in Cody.

Cody and Hoke are also regular visitors to Canton Middle School where they work with special needs students. Cody sits with the students while they stroke his soft fur and practice their reading skills.

The children react to Cody in much the same way as the seniors, with obvious delight. Hoke said he has seen a lot of progress with students who come out of their shell the most when Cody visits.

Everywhere he goes, he brings a calming presence, comforting and uplifting as only a dog can.

"I love to see people's face when Cody comes in," said Hoke.

As a firefighter, Hoke sees more than his share of tragedy, but working with Cody at nursing homes and schools is his way to bring something kinder and gentler to the world.

"We work together to help people. It is an incredibly rewarding experience."

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