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ARC CONGRATULATES TURBO AND OWNER PAT CRAWFORD ON INDUCTION INTO TEXAS HALL OF FAME!
Joy is a brilliant term to signify the feeling of bliss we receive when truly happy. Joy is also a word to describe the faces of the many people that have been touched by having Turbo in their life. A weekly visit by this loving Rottweiler is enough to perk up even the most despondent residents at Gainesville’s Pecan Tree Rehabilitation Center and Wheeler House. His visits to the Valley View Elementary School have been extremely beneficial to the children at this school.
It’s quite a feeling to have Turbo nudge up against you and lay his head in your lap while smothering you with affection and kisses. This is a “Turbo Hug”, and is a perfect example of how much love this breed has to give. Pat Crawford and her dog Turbo work every day to spread this affection to the community. In 2007 Pat & Turbo logged in over 400 hours of visits.
His visits have encouraged residents who do not talk to talk just a little and he has given comfort to the dying and reduced the blood pressure of many. He offers encouragement in Physical Therapy and gets most of them using their arm and leg muscles as they reach to pet him. Turbo recognizes changes in Breathing patterns and the alarms on medical equipment, he is quick to look at me or the care giver to see if we noticed this also. Turbo is also a Certified Water Dog. He is capable of towing boats through the water, or helping to located stranded swimmers. Although his services have not been needed yet, he stays in good practice at Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Kiowa. The American Rottweiler Club Turbo honored Turbo with the following 2007 awards:
He is also a “Meet the Breed Dog” at Dog shows, and performs at local community events in Obedience demonstrations, where you can here the kids running through the park yelling Turbo’s here. The kids are anxious to show their parents what they have learned on how to safely approach a dog and ask permission to pet him. Turbo and Pat are also involved in Rescue. Working with the local shelter they have placed numerous Rottweilers and Dobermans in loving homes.
Owner: Pat Crawford
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"TURBO"
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At
the school Turbo uses the American Kennel Club Public Education Program
to teach the kids about Responsible Pet Ownership and Pet Safety. He
also helps with the reading and math programs at the school, where they
have seen an increase in reading, vocabulary and social skills. The
kids try harder because they want time with Turbo. When Turbo trots
down the hallways the kids run to him with hugs and kisses, calling
out his name saying Turbo’s here. He is so popular at the school that
they gave him a “surprise” Birthday Party with hats, gifts and hand
made cards. These cards proved the kids are remembering what Turbo taught
them. The 2nd grade class wrote and illustrated a book called TURBO
GOES TO SCHOOL. There is a new game at recess called obedience dog.
They pretend they are Turbo and his handler giving commands.
For
some of these residents Turbo is their only visitor and they anxiously
await his visit. Turbo instantly puts a smile on the faces of those
he visits from the Nurses to the Patients and their family members,
offering them a moment to relax and forget why they are there. They
often recall stories of their own dog that they like to share with us.
We have had numerous family members tell us how much comfort Turbo gives
them during these stressful times for them.
Turbo
has been featured on the front page of the Sunday edition of the Gainesville
Daily Register, Lindsay Letter and mentioned in the Therapy Dog International
newsletter and the BSL newsletter.
Turbo
is a wonderful ambassador for the breed. He always greets people with
love and affection everywhere he goes. Pat and Turbo are staples of
the community and together they are spreading good will to other people,
and for this breed. 