When you're young, school seems to last forever, and it feels like the day will never come when you can finally get out on your own and start doing the kinds of things you love. Hard work, however, does have its merits.

Just ask Archie. 

A four-year old purebred, tricolor, Welsh Pembroke Corgi, Archie is the canine half of an Allan's Angels Certified Therapy Dog Team, one of 60 teams certified and insured by The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.  Since becoming certified, Archie and his owner, Nancy Madar of Manchester work together visiting elderly people in their homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice care. Archie also visits elementary schools where children enjoy reading to him.

"I began thinking about training Archie as a therapy dog when my mother was a hospice patient in 2008," said Madar. "Archie was a puppy when I visited her and he always made her smile. As I walked through the halls, other patients always wanted me to bring him over so they could pet him."

Allan's Angels was formed as a tribute to the late Dr. Allan Leventhal, founder of the Bolton Veterinary Hospital.

Madar said she first looked into therapy dog training through Allan's Angels but before she could even begin to consider such classes for her dog, Archie first had to go through extensive basic obedience training.

"We then attended therapy dog training classes for 12 weeks at Bolton Veterinary Hospital," said Madar. "The training included review and reinforcement of basic commands and special training and safety for situations unique to visitations with patients, residents and children."

In January, 2010 their team passed a Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs test which included assessing Archie's reaction to strangers, to other dogs, loud noises, food and medical equipment such as walkers, canes and wheel chairs.

Archie wasn't the only one doing some hard work.

Madar said in February she and Archie became a Comfort Creature team working with Masonicare Partners Home Health and Hospice in East Hartford.

"I attended seven sessions of hospice volunteer training, which included death, dying, communication, family dynamics, grief, bereavement, spirituality, universal precautions, and the role of the volunteer," said Madar. "I work through a volunteer coordinator who gives me assignments and support. I am expected to follow volunteer guidelines, keep track of my time, write a report for each visit and attend occasional inservice presentations," she said.

"Our Creature Comforts volunteers bring great joy and benefit to the patients they visit," said Faith Grist, Volunteer Coordinator at Masonicare partners Home Health and Hospice. "Sometimes patients or family members can tell an animal something they can't say to anyone else. Or perhaps the patient is now living in a nursing home and can no longer have a pet of their own. The pet volunteer can help them have that connection again. If a patient just loves animals, a furry friend coming to visit who they can pet and talk to can really brighten their day," she said.

For patient and friend, Marion Roberts, Archie is quite simply a welcome visitor.

"Archie gives me lots of kisses and makes me feel good," Roberts said.

Madar said Archie's training period was challenging at times as he has a tendency  to be over enthusiastic and willful, very vocal, woofing and barking when he feels it's necessary. Additionally, being a bit on the hefty side with a long body, he can't sit in patients' laps, so Madar lifts him up to a bed or chair to be petted.

Despite all the hard work, Madar said it has been well worth the effort.

"Visiting people with him, knowing that we will brighten their day, gives me great pleasure and a real sense of accomplishment," she said.