Dog That Failed Out Of Therapy School Finds New Mission
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - She's a therapy school dropout, but she didn't let that stop her from making a difference. Chipper and her best friend from Bailey are dedicated to helping others through the power of words, tricks and some doggie treats.
In between walks, 5-year-old Chipper spends time with children in pediatric hospice, people homeless shelters or with folks in nursing homes -- but she didn't always.
"At first she felt like a four-legged failure," Chipper's owner Michelle Jansick said.
Chipper failed out of therapy dog school, but where one door closes, another opens.
"So instead of slinking out of the doggy door to hide in the garage, I bravely stepped into the tub on my own free will," Jansick read from the book she wrote with Chipper.
The book, called "Chipper's Friends: The Heartwarming Story of an Imperfect Dog," is written through Chipper's voice and talks about dropping out of therapy school.
"We found other ways to do nice things for people, and so the book teaches that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference," Jansick said.
The profits go to a good cause.
"We've been donating all the profits of her book to a different charity every month to help children and animals."
This month all the proceeds go to The Children's Hospital in Aurora.
Chipper often visits children and adults who are struggling, so it's rewarding when her tricks make them smile.
"It bridges a gap to bring the dog and they are so happy and it means a lot to the people."
As it's getting close to the holidays, Jansick hopes she and Chipper will sell enough books to buy the gifts on the children's wish list at the hospital. To buy a book or learn more go to ChippersFriends.com.
