What is your and your dog’s name?
I’m Ben Foster, and my dog is Rosie.
How old were you when you became a Junior Handler? How old are you now?
I became a Junior Handler at 14 in the summer of 2023. I am now 16.
How did you find out about the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Junior Handler program and therapy dog work?
Since I was little, I’ve gone to the hospital with my mom while she worked. I can still remember how happy I felt whenever I saw a dog there; it always brightened the whole place. Years later, I was blessed with Rosie, and one of my mom’s friends, who had therapy dogs, mentioned Rosie would make a great therapy dog. That’s how I learned about Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). That simple comment started an adventure I’ll always be grateful for.
What attracts you to therapy dog work?
I love seeing the difference Rosie and I make wherever we go. For some people, it’s a chance to start a conversation. For others, it’s a way to brighten their day or just give them a moment to relax and feel happy.
Did you feel you and your dog were ready or did you feel you had to take a class or lessons in order to be ready to test with ATD?
I felt Rosie and I were well prepared when we tested with ATD. She already had basic training, so she could stay calm in stores, stick by my side, and greet people without jumping, while still showing her joyful personality. That made it easy for us to pass the observations and the test. A fun little twist came during our test when some baby chicks got loose in the Tractor Supply store. It turned into an extra challenge, but Rosie handled it like a pro.
Where do you and your dog regularly visit?
We visit our local hospital about every other week, sometimes more. On special occasions, we get to visit my high school, which is always a fun change of pace.
What are your favorite places to visit?
The hospital is my favorite because we get to see both the patients and the staff. It’s amazing to watch Rosie make people smile, whether it’s a quick hello in the hallway or a longer visit in a room.
What are your dog’s favorite places to visit?
Besides loving the hospital for all the treats and pets she gets, off duty, she loves going for walks in the woods, chasing tennis balls in the backyard, and, if lucky, getting a pup cup from Starbucks. (Note: ATD Rules and Regulations require treats only be given by the Handler.)
Do you plan on continuing therapy dog work once you are no longer a Junior Handler?
Yes, I see the impact I bring to everybody, and I hope to continue that as I get older.
If you could give one piece of advice to other potential Junior Handlers, what would it be?
Even though the test might feel daunting at first, stick with it. Trust your dog, trust yourself, and work as a team. Once you get through it, the experiences you’ll have together are more than worth it.
