Hurley has been a part of the Physical Rx team since 2015. We train puppies to become service dogs on a volunteer basis for Canine Companions, a non-profit organization. Once Hurley was fully trained and passed testing in 2017, he went on to become a service dog for a Veteran who became a paraplegic after a paratrooping accident in the military.
Hurley’s recipient, Jay continued to work with the military, traveling with Hurley across the globe. They worked together until 2019 when Hurley had an accident on the job. When entering an elevator at a busy airport, Jay went in first and as trained, Hurley was to follow. Many other passengers crowded the elevator and Hurley, being the kind man that he is, was the last one to enter. He realized that there wasn’t enough room for him as those 2 huge elevator doors closed on him. After this traumatic event, Hurley would never enter another elevator.
In 2019 Hurley returned to Physical Rx as a pet dog. As a service dog, Hurley was proud to wear his vest each day and help others. He had a very rough transition into being a pet. He sat next to his owner staring at him at his desk just waiting for a command. Shortly thereafter Canine Companions introduced the Therapy Dog program. This would be a great opportunity for Hurley not only to once again wear a vest, but to be of service to others. Of course Hurley passed the Therapy Dog program training and testing with flying colors.
Today Hurley gets up very eager to come to work at Physical Rx every morning! He again gets to wear his vest on a daily basis and help others. If he sees that there is a new patient who is in obvious pain and may be nervous about their upcoming visit, he may approach and rest his head on their lap to comfort them. Once he realizes which patients like him, he approaches upon their arrival for a pet of approval or pat on the head, and may even follow you around for more throughout your visit.
The only thing we ask is that you don’t bring Hurley any food treats. Not only does his drool make a big mess around the clinic, but he is on a very strict diet for a healthy and long life.
