Q: What is your dog's name, breed, age and date of birth
A: Blaze- Cockapoo- August 11, 2017
Q: How did you decide that you wanted to bring a dog into your family, and how did you find Blaze? Why did you select him? Who is your breeder?
A: I have always loved animals and have wanted a dog since I was a child. We took care of a neighbors Cockapoo (Teddy) for several days in our home and I fell in love with him. Our neighbor belonged to Cockapoo group on social media and put out a call for reputable breeders I out area. Blaze in from Puff and Stuff in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dr. Kelly at Puff and Stuff is a veterinarian and she is wonderful.
Q: What factors influenced your selection of Blaze over a different type of dog?
A: I looked at difficult breeds and several factors influenced my decision. Size was important - we live in a smaller house and a large dog would not have worked. Longevity was also an important factor many larger breed dogs have a shorter lifespan. Temperament was also a factor- Cockapoos are loving, smart, loyal and easy to train.
Q: Do you remember the first day that you brought Blaze home? What was that day like?
A: Yes, Blaze was only three pounds when we brought him home so it was a little nerve racking like having a newborn, so as Dr. Kelly recommended we shuffled around the house so we would not inadvertently step on him. Blaze adapted well right from the start.
Q: Blaze is a curly coated dog. When he first came into your life, was there any aspect of taking care of his coat that you found surprising? Confusing? Difficult or easy?
A: I didn’t understand the concept of a puppy coat when we got Blaze. He was this super soft ball of fur. I didn’t realize as he grew that his coat had become matted underneath, so that by the time I scheduled his first grooming appointment he was a bit of a mess. I learned my lesson and with regular grooming and the right combing tools, I’ve not had that problem again.
Q: How do you take care of Blaze's coat at home between professional grooming sessions?
A: We will bathe Blaze when needed and use dog conditioner on his coat. I also trim around his face and paws in between grooming.
Q: How has your relationship with Blaze enriched your life?
A: Blaze has become a member of the family. He provides companionship and comfort. We meet so many people when we are out and about with Blaze as they will stop to talk because they see him.
Q: What are some favorite activities you like to do with Blaze?
Blaze on a long walk
A: We like to talk Blaze on hikes or long walks. He is a very sturdy dog and loves these adventures. He loves to play fetch and tug of war. He loves car rides and pretty much any activity where he is included as part of the family.
Q: Blaze is a registered therapy dog. How did you get started in this activity?
A: I am a retired mental health professional and this was something that I was always interested in given the documented benefits that the connection between humans and animals can provide.
Q: Which therapy dog group is Blaze registered with? What are this group's requirements to become a therapy dog?
A: Blaze is a member of PALS (People Animals Love) Before Blaze was registered with PALS he needed to have his Canine Good Citizen credential. The next step was an interview with me and the PALS organization, I participated in a handler training session, and then Blaze and I went through an evaluation together where we were put through different types of activities. Next Blaze and I went on three supervised visits where we were evaluated by an experienced handler team.
Q: How did you train Blaze for to be a therapy dog? What part of training was difficult? What part did you find easy?
A: I registered Blaze for training classes in the area starting with Puppy Level I and advancing to the Canine Good Citizen Level. Blaze took to the training really well and there were really no major difficulties. The earlier classes were also good for his socialization as they were with other dogs.
Q: What tip would you share with people interested in training their dog to become a therapy dog?
A: Make sure your dog has the right disposition. Not all dogs, even though they may be gentle and sweet, make a good therapy dog. A good therapy dog needs to adapt to different environments, handle multiple people at a time often with other dogs present, and be able to attend for a good length of time.
Q: What are some of Blaze's therapy dog activities?
A : Blaze visits the following types of sites:
Elementary Schools
High Schools
College Campus
Rehabilitation Centers
Assisted Living
Homeless Shelters
Q: How do people who meet Blaze respond to his presence?
A: People seem to love him. The first thing they notice is that his tail is always wagging, and he will immediately drop to the ground and roll over for a belly rub. If allowed, he will also provided many dog kisses.
Q: At the end of October, Blaze had the unique experience of being part of a 23 dog honor guard attending Jane Goodall's funeral on the steps of the Washington Cathedral. Can you speak a bit about what happened during this experience? What were your feelings and impressions of it? What motivated you to volunteer with Blaze for this?
A: It was an honor to be there to help provide such a fitting farewell to such an amazing human being. I was so impressed with all the therapy dogs- standing outside for several hours there was not one bark, not one snarl or dust up among any of the dogs. They all seemed to sense the importance of the event.
Janice & Blaze, Washington Cathedral, November 2025
Q: Jane Goodall was known for her deep care and respect for non-human animals and our environment. Why do you think it was meaningful that dogs were there along with their humans to honor and remember her life?
A: To show the connection between animals and humans and the unconditional comfort that they can provide.
Q: How if at all, has your life with Blaze changed your perspective about connection? About community?
A: Having Blaze continually brings people into my life. Just taking him for a walk people will ask me “can I pet your dog” and that can start a conversation and brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of community. I have seen Blaze on a therapy visit understand ,without any indication from me, which person needs him the most, which I find remarkable.
Q: When a puppy enters your life, they grow through the seasons of your own life and your family. How has your purpose in life changed from the time that Blaze entered your life as a puppy to now? Would your sense of purpose be different had you not met Blaze?
A: As a recently retired person, Blaze has definitely given me increased purpose in life through our therapy work. It is rewarding to hear a college student say while interacting with Blaze “you don’t know how much I needed this today” or to watch an extremely shy elementary aged child who has difficulty speaking to peers, talk to Blaze
Q: What is one additional insight or observation from your life with Blaze that you would like to share?
A: Blaze brings so much joy to our family. So happy that he entered our lives.
Janice & Blaze during a therapy visit
Canine Honor Guard, Washington Cathedral, November 2025 photo credit Washington Cathedral