Tareth and Marie Kerr share a spot of tea.

By SANDY EVANS
A visitor of another species has come to Trinity County, and I don’t mean a space alien.
Poking her head in to see how folks in the hospital are doing, bringing smiles of contentment, is an attractive blond named Tareth. She is a “facility dog” who is well loved in the convalescent and medical/surgical wings of Mountain Community Medical Services in Weaverville and in other places.
She goes from room to room, climbing into bed when invited, cuddling up for petting and listening to all of the compliments of how huggable she is.
One special time was visiting Sheniah Mays, giving a break to an otherwise dull day in bed after her tonsillectomy.
Another stop sometimes is the Mountain Care Home on Highway 3 where Jana Reese is administrator. Reese said, “Tareth is nonjudgmental, has no expectations of residents ... she just comes in and loves on them. With her big soft head in their laps, they just relax and pet her.”
Tareth stayed for tea one day in the convalescent unit, sitting for an hour in her black, veiled hat. Perhaps she will find another hat for another tea party soon.
Lola Medley, a paraeducator at Hayfork Elementary School, said, “Tareth’s impact with children is magical, like a whole transformation with kids who may not feel well. Tareth will get up close, putting her head in their lap so they can pet her or play with her ears, and she just stays there. What Tareth can communicate to children is like one step higher in total acceptance in whatever circumstances the children are dealing with. It is always a joy to see the transforming effect Tareth brings into a classroom.”
Tareth oversees the home-
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work assignment of Chante Smith at the Hayfork school, with the promise of some hugs and a romp.
Tareth is a graduate of Canine Companions for Independence in Santa Rosa. She spent a year and a half in puppy training with the family of Christine Evans in Seattle, Wash. She then went to Santa Rosa for six months of advanced training. After two weeks of rather intensive training with her handler, Joyce Wagner of Hayfork, she graduated in November 2005.
“Tareth’s job is to join in any activities that are going on,” said Joyce. “She might retrieve a ball at physical therapy, be a good listener as a child is reading a book at the elementary school, or delivering a card or balloons. Her quiet patience calms stressful hospital moments and breaks up long days of recovery. Some patients will respond to and interact with the dog in a way they will not, or cannot do with adults.”

Tareth is a lab/golden retriever cross. She is a certified assistance dog and knows 42 commands.
One frequently asked question is whether Tareth gets to be a regular dog. The answer is yes, Tareth is fully allowed the whole backyard to romp or just hang out.
At the post office with Tareth in her blue “vest” marking her as a care dog, it has been rather startling when people say, “Oh, Joyce, I didn’t know you are losing your eyesight.”
Joyce is happy to assure that she still has her sight, explaining that service dogs are trained to be companions but also to visit and comfort where needed.
Joyce has passed out booklets to people who are interested that explain the program of Canine Companions for Independence.
This is only the tip of the iceberg of the heartwarming stories of loving service of this beautiful female named Tareth in our Trinity County.
For more information on the Canine Companions for Independence, call 1-800-572-2275.