KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Deacon, a five-year-old Australian Shepherd, is one of several certified therapy dogs visiting nursing homes, schools and hospitals in Clay County.

Austin Coleman, 13, recently completed training as a junior handler. The Q.I. Roberts Junior/Senior High student is about to enter eighth grade. His mother, Lori Coleman, has worked nearly 24 years at Clay Humane and is the local tester and observer for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Lori Coleman took Deacon to her son’s classes, which inspired him to ask how he could get involved.

“He’s familiar with this kind of volunteer work,” Lori said. “He’s seen me do it growing up.”

Lori said she was impressed by her son wanting to take on the challenge. Managing a dog in public is different than relaxing at home.

“Who wants to visit people at the nursing home? People don’t normally want to do that,” Lori said. “It’s refreshing to see kids wanting to do things for other people, so it makes me really proud that our son is interested in giving back.”

Junior handlers are between ages 12-17 and must be accompanied by a parent. Austin was tested to gauge his compatibility and control with Deacon in a therapy environment. He was also observed three times – not by his mom – on the job.

“It looked interesting. I like meeting with people and making people happy,” Austin said. “They get to relax and have fun for a little bit.”

To Austin, when Deacon wears the harness, he’s a different dog.

“He pays attention to me better whenever I tell him what to do if we’re in a nursing home,” he said. “He isn’t what he’s like at home.”

His father, Jim Coleman, said the program offered a significant responsibility and time commitment for children. While Austin doesn’t have qualifications to visit some locations such as hospitals or courthouses with the dog, it’s a character-building opportunity.

“It’s wonderful to see kids at schools with the dogs during exam weeks for the de-stress events, and the kids just melt,” the father said.

Deacon was a rescue that went through five homes. Lori said families with small children were put off by the dog’s need to herd. As a therapy dog, the Australian Shepherd has found its niche.

“[Deacon] was trying to herd the kids and I think it scared people. [If kids are playing outside], we have to bring the dog in because he will try to herd people and put them in a circle,” she said. “I think what he needed honestly was a job. He comes to work with me every day.”

The Clay Humane dog therapy program has about 15 members. For more information on the program call (904) 276-7729.