OFP Therapy Dog Team: Rosanne with Riggins Cleared to Provide Comfort, Compassion and Joy Together!
Hi, my name is Rosanne, and I would like to introduce you to my best friend, Riggins. Some of the greatest memories I have while working as a flight attendant for 43 years are of the four-legged passengers we carried. Oftentimes, we would carry a variety of working dogs for the military, as well as service animals for our passengers with special situations. It was always amazing seeing the positive impact therapy animals could have while visiting the airport. There wasn’t a time when my flight crew and I wouldn’t stop to say hello and give those beautiful animals a pet! We jokingly used to say, “If your flight was late, we were probably petting a therapy animal!” As I was getting closer to retirement, I realized that having a therapy animal was something I was interested in, but because of my flight schedule, I had never really had the time to make that commitment. After I retired, we sadly lost our Bernese Mountain Dog of only six years. Our hearts were broken, but my husband and I felt we would be happy having just one dog, our Great Pyrenees, Becca, who was five at the time.
We were amazed by how many of our friends reached out to try to give us another animal! We continued to say, “No, thank you.” Then, on Labor Day of 2023, we received a group text from seven friends all begging us to have a look at a dog who needed a family. They shared that this guy was a giant breed Landseer Newfoundland, and he was already 16 months old. Again, we said, “No, thank you!” That evening, I started thinking about how this beautiful dog needed a family, and how we had been so sad about the passing of our Bernese Mountain Dog. We were all in need of some extra happiness. Perhaps we should meet him. And that’s when the real story begins. Riggins became a member of our family on September 4, 2023. We knew right away that he was a perfect fit. His love and sweetness, mixed with his crazy puppy vibe, brought laughter and happiness back into our home, not only for us but for Becca as they ran and played in our backyard. As I got to know Riggins, it quickly became apparent that he needed training. Having used Operation Freedom Paws in the past for public training, I immediately enrolled him. I was very aware of the fantastic program that Mary and her crew ran and knew it would be the right fit for Riggins.
When we began training, I mentioned to Mary that my goal would be for Riggins to be certified as a good citizen and also to work to see if he had the personality and temperament to become a therapy dog. Mary was supportive and helpful and got us going in the right direction. Riggins continued his lessons and eventually moved into the more advanced training classes as Mary continued to evaluate him. As Riggins and I trained and did puppy yoga together, our bond strengthened. I could see the love and desire to please in his big, beautiful, amber eyes. The day came when Mary asked us to test for his certification, and Riggins passed with flying colors!
Now, Riggins is excited to put on his collar to attend training, but his real joy comes when he wears his official certified therapy dog vest on work days. Riggins and I have visited elementary and junior high schools with Mary to do presentations that teach children the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog. Over the last couple of months, Riggins has also spent several days at San Jose State University, relieving the anxiety and stress that the students feel during their final’s week. This is one of his most rewarding jobs because of all the hugs and kisses he gets from the college kids, and he seems to love taking selfies with the students.
In addition to his work in educational environments, every other week, Riggins visits the many patients at Gilroy Health and Rehab. He is quite a celebrity there and is now asked for by name! The happiness Riggins brings into the hospital has been so rewarding to witness!
Riggins and I plan to continue bringing joy, happiness, compassion and love to all in need. How many people can say they get to bring their best friend to work every day? I am very lucky I get to. And as for those seven group texters…. They are now all his dawg-parents and love seeing all of Riggins’ great achievements.