TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii – Ollie Bear, a 12-year-old Labrador retriever, has been a volunteer therapy dog with the American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program since 2016. Ollie is trained to provide comfort and emotional support services to military members, veterans, and families at Tripler Army Medical Center.
Ollie began training at about 18 months old, and became a therapy dog at age 4, explained Millie Griggs, Ollie’s primary handler.
“It’s also about socializing, too,” Griggs said. “Ollie participates in obedience trials and competes at the Leeward Training Club of Hawaii. He’s earned the companion dog title. If he’s not out meeting people, he’s training in his spare time.”
Ollie is also a certified therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which allows him to visit local schools, colleges, nursing home, libraries, and hospices across Oahu.
“He loves to visit younger kids,” Griggs said . “He lays down, and the kids love him. I tell them that he’s a good listener.”
Ollie is known for his calm demeanor and his fashionable doggy googles. While the goggles are a part of his appeal, the eyewear is worn to protect his eyes.
“He’s blind and lost his vision two years ago,” Griggs said. “He started wearing goggles when he got glaucoma and corneal ulcers. His oncologist prescribed the goggles for him to wear as added protection. He’s a lab, so his nose is always working. The goggles protect him against obstructions and ultraviolet sun rays. When we walk, people smile at him. They get a thrill out of it.”
Ollie has an acute sense of smell that helps him detect people around him despite not being able to see. He can connect with people of all ages, and enjoys being reward with plush toys, belly rubs, and dog biscuits.
“He loves all food,” Griggs explained. “He loves assorted dog cookies. His favorite cookies are liver, chicken, and bacon cheese. We use plain liver treats or high value motivated treats that are used for training. Food rewards are important for training. But he’s a Labrador, so he loves all food!”
There are currently six American Red Cross therapy dog teams that volunteer at Tripler Army Medical Center. They are set up to provide affection, comfort, and support to active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and veteran beneficiaries.
There are currently six American Red Cross therapy dog teams that volunteer at Tripler Army Medical Center. They are set up to provide affection, comfort, and support to active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and veteran beneficiaries.
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