Sharon’s Adam CGC owned by Sharon Cramer of Rock Island, IL
Adam, a 22-months-old rescue, was certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs when he was about 13 months old.
Having trained and shown dogs in Obedience trials for about 20 years, Sharon knew her work was cut out for her with Adam when she adopted him at 3 months old. She started with socialization, setting a goal to take him somewhere every day. “I have kept that commitment to this day,” Sharon said. They visit pet stores, shopping centers where he is welcome, and local variety stores. Sharon and Adam have also continuously trained at the Quad Cities Dog Obedience Club, where she has been a member for over 25 years. Sharon is 81 years old and no longer has the energy she once had, therefore cannot show him in obedience trials like she did in years past.
However, she and Adam make regular visits to the local hospital and he is the greeter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Sunday Mass in Rock Island, IL where he is very popular. He was blessed at the altar of on Sunday, October 5.
“I am so proud of Adam. I realize that he will most likely outlive me and have made arrangements for a family member to take him in when I will no longer be able to have him,” Sharon said. Until that time she and Adam will stay busy with ongoing training and spreading good will. They will continue with training for socialization for Sharon as well as for Adam. “Adam has never met a person that he didn’t like – he loves his mail carriers, delivery people and strangers that he meets.” He is Sharon’s third therapy dog through about 15 years of therapy dog service.