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Pet Partners - share your experiences and activities. Send the information to Dianne Bell (425-679-5505).
Beth Franklin, Executive Director of Delta Society affiliate Hand-in-Paw, was recently awarded the Sertoma Club's "Service to Mankind" award. She received the honor for her ceaseless efforts to better the lives of all who live in her community through work in the organization she founded, Hand-in-Paw. Additionally, Franklin was named "Layperson of the Year" by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association for her efforts to educate people about the human-animal companion bond. (2004)
Nena Moon and her Schnauzer, Ellie, have visited with children at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center for more than one year. The team's visits help children deal with the fear of radiation treatments. At the completion of each child's last treatment, Nena and Ellie walk with the child all the way from the treatment room to the waiting room, blowing bubbles the entire way. (2004)
Nancy Kucik has fond memories of the special bond her 6-year-old Siamese cat, Laser, built with Mrs. P. during the last 3 months of Mrs. P.'s life. Visiting her weekly in a nursing home, Laser curled up on Mrs. P.'s bed while she shared her life story with Nancy. Laser always lay where Mrs. P. could pet him and fuss over him. At the end of what Nancy knew would be their last visit, Mrs. P. smiled and whispered "Thank you" to Laser for the love he had given her. (2004)
See what's happening with the Hand-in-Paw Pet Partners in Alabama - View Newsletter
A donkey named Apple is top banana at the University Medical Center hospital. Apple, a Sicilian miniature donkey, works at the center as a therapy animal. His visits to the pediatric unit at UMC are a special treat for patients ranging in age from 3 to 17 years. "It was real cool!" exclaimed Dillon Trego who recently received a visit from this four-legged attendant. (2004)
Doug Hamm and his Golden Retriever, Molly, stay busy with visits to the Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Unit at the local VA Medical Center and the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Patients at these facilities find this Pet Partner team's visits especially encouraging because Molly lost her sight several years ago, but she still is able to play catch in the park. (2004)
Lynn Murray received second place in the Verde Valley Science Symposium this spring. The topic of her project was "Pet Therapy – Past, Present and Future." Lynn and her toy fox terrier, Andy (left), are an extremely active Pet Partners team. They've been active in the local chapter of Paws for People for 2 1/2 years. Lynn recently earned her 100-hour pin from Verde Valley Medical volunteer department. (2004)
Elna Magnes and her Collie, Thunder, receive many thank you letters from children they helped learn to read. The letters reflect the children's enthusiasm about the team's weekly classroom visits. Elna and Thunder encourage children to read, as well as teach dog safety basics during their school visits. (2004)
Warm Hearts & Cold Noses (AAA/T) & Dog Gone Dancin’ (Canine Freestyle Dance) - all members of San Lorenzo Dog Training Club in Northern, CA - teamed together this year to provide therapy visits and canine entertainment in various settings. The combined teams, some 12 members strong, performed choreographed dance routines at local nursing homes. They also partnered with Kaiser Permanente and performed to more than 600 people at two “Teddy Bear Clinics”, which are events designed to break down barriers between children and health care providers. As an additional treat, carting dogs offered rides to children throughout the day. Over the Holiday Season the group entertained the residents, families and staff of five nursing homes & assisted living facilities dancing to “Jingle Bell Rock”. After dancing, the therapy teams visited with everyone to share the joy of the holidays. (2004)
Barbara Anderson and other Pet Partners made a splash at the Pet Expo in Southern California. The group's eyecatching "Therapist Is In" booth was very successful in generating pages of contact information for fair-goers who are interested in getting involved in Animal-Assisted Activities & Therapy. (2004)
Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS) make learning fun at Browns Valley Elementary School. LAPS is a group of Pet Partners teams that creates lesson plans emphasizing life and social skills while at the same time incorporating math and reading skills. For the last 3 years, LAPS has helped 4th through 6th graders learn how positive words and actions make a difference in the lives of those around them. LAPS provides books and videos to backup lessons and gives each class an annual subscription to the Humane Society's KindNEWS. (2004)
Prescription Pets, a nonprofit organization of pet-handler teams, regularly visit 11 area facilities: 3 hospitals, an assisted-living facility, several nursing homes, Shasta County Women's Refuge, and a special day class at Lassen View School. Recent Prescription Pets visits have encouraged an autistic boy to overcome his extreme fear of dogs and begin moving closer to them. (2004)
Barbara Schuett and her Golden Retriever teammate, Zeke, volunteer at convalescent homes in the Los Angeles area. Rescued from the SPCA-LA's South Bay Pet Adoption Center, Zeke is considered a hero to the residents he visits – Barbara says Zeke is the perfect example of how we should all act: kind, patient, unconditionally loving and non-judgmental. Zeke spreads joy to people during his visits simply by nuzzling those who need it and wagging his tail. (2004)
Colorado Therapy Animals and Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center dog teams at the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association in Denver. (June 2006)
See what's happening with Angel Acre Companions in Colorado.
Congratulations to Jerri Stephens and Bailey, of affiliate group Denver Pet Partners, on the "Everyday Hero" award from News channel 7. (2006)
Diana McQuarrie and her Golden Retriever, Shana, visit patients at Swedish Medical Center – even patients who have requested no other visitors. One woman who had a disfiguring illness asked the Pet Partners if they had time to visit with her. The woman silently stroked Shana's fur and gazed into her loving brown eyes for several minutes. Finally she turned to McQuarrie with tears cascading down her face and said, "This dog made my day." These were the only visitors this patient allowed herself to see during her hospitalization. (2004)
Amber, a Golden Retriever, seems to instinctively know which patients need her, and what they need from her, according to her handler, Ruth Millie. They visit as a team primarily at St. Mary-Corwin hospital, Belmont Senior Care, and Dreamweavers functions and events. Being sensitive and empathetic toward the people she visits, Amber often seems to absorb the pain being felt by them, and sometimes tires before the visit is finished. But they both get great rewards from the smiles, laughter and positive responses from the seriously ill people they help. (2004)
Delta Affiliate, Tails of Joy Hosts First Fundraiser
Tails of Joy, Animal Assisted Therapy Group located in Manchester Connecticut, held a very successful fundraiser on April 29th . The event featured Patti Lawson, author of the Dog Diet. The evening began with an introduction from President Terrie Carpenter informing the audience about Tails of Joy, Delta Society, and what Therapy Dogs do. Terrie introduced Patti Lawson who spoke about her new book The Dog Diet, and how a rescue dog named Sadie changed her from a stressed out perfectionist into a more “human” being. Tails of Joy was well supported with door prizes by members of the community. This was the group’s first fundraiser and they were very grateful to Patti for her very enjoyable presentation and for helping to make our fundraiser a success. (April 2005)
Tricia Brett and Maisy, former Delta Society staffers, are encouraging others in their new community to become Pet Partners. Recently the team visited with the 4H Club in Cornwall Bridge. Many of the enthusiastic club members asked probing questions and wanted to begin the Pet Partners registration process with their pets. Tricia and Maisy also visit a local nursing home, spreading joy, love, and – knowing Maisy – many laughs. (2004)
Retired service dogs 9-year-old Naples and 6-year-old Vera, both yellow Labradors, spend their days now providing therapy and motivation for children at St. Vincent's Special Needs center, and elderly patients at Maefair Health Care Center. Their teammate, Trumbull resident Juliana Scanlan, helped train guide dogs at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where Vera was a guide dog and Naples was a stud. The dogs bring lots of smiles to the residents simply by spending time being petted or playing fetch. Juliana feels that becoming Pet Partners was a natural progression for both dogs after retiring as service animals. "It is rewarding just to see people smile or hear people laugh," she said. (2004)
Hector Castñer recently received the Hometown Hero's Award for his work as a Pet Partner. A Hometown Hero is defined as a person who goes above and beyond his job description to enhance the community and inspire and motivate others through action. For the last 13 years, Castñer has been visiting local hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools with his cats. (2004)
Pat Simpson and his Labrador Retriever, Max, visit patients and their families as part of the new pet therapy program at North Collier Hospital. The team's visits help patients and family members relax by taking their minds off the reason for the hospitalization. One family member likened Max's visits to those of a friend who has come to love you unconditionally. Diane Moore and her dogs, Derby and Alma, participate in the hospital's pediatric unit. Some parents say the animal visits give the hospital an aspect of fun, in an otherwise difficult situation. (2004)
Julie Level and her cat, Mr. Freeze, create magic during visits with the Florida's Gulf Coast Pet Partners. Mr. Freeze is 3 years old, has one blue and one green eye, weighs almost 18 pounds, is deaf, and likes to ride in his Meow Mobile. Julie says she always knew her pet was special, but the interactions between him and the people they visit confirm it. (2004)
Doug Haughn and his Golden Retriever partner, Abby, visit at the Florida Children's Hospital, helping kids and their parents adjust to the trauma of sometimes difficult treatments. Unable to read the medical charts, Abby provides therapy that is proven to lower stress, reduce the number of doctor visits and give a better chance of survival from life-threatening diseases. One patient's father says the dog "gives them a little bit of a reprieve." (2004)
Misty Olmsted is in big demand in Pocatello. She and her miniature horse, McGee, keep busy visiting assisted living centers and nursing homes, creating special bonds with people who don't think they have anything left to live for. A recipient of the local district's Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award and $300, Misty is amazed at the impact that animals can have on a person's life. (2004)
Tony, a 3-year-old black Lab who flunked out of guide dog school because of skin allergies, used his special sensing abilities to save the life of people watching him for his teammate, Bruce Stevens, who was out of town on vacation. The oil heater in the basement of the home in Twin Falls, where Tony was staying, malfunctioned and was leaking potentially toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Tony paced around, nudged his house sitter persistently and wouldn't settle down during the night. When the woman checked the heater and discovered a monitor gauge indicated high levels of the gas, she, her mother, and grandmother were able to evacuate the house safely. (2004)
Due to high demand, the Crystal Lake Public Library has renewed its monthly program where children read to Golden Retriever, Samantha, and handler Susan Hopman. Hopman says she has seen improvements in the children as they grow less apprehensive about reading aloud to the Pet Partners team. Parents in the community have shown support and agree with Hopman that the program is beneficial. After seeing the response and results firsthand, Hopman wishes to encourage other libraries to open their doors to these programs. (2004)
Freesie, a 6 1/2 pound Yorkshire Terrier, was surprised with a 3rd birthday party thrown by the patients she visits at Elmhurst Hospital, complete with balloons, streamers, posters, a sheet cake, coffee, cookies, cards, and gifts of treats, toys and stuffed animals. Sally Wells, Freesie's owner, writes, "The patients had a grand time watching Freesia open presents, and then continue to do her 'therapy' on everyone! What a day to remember! I am still in awe over this and just how special these animals are to these people that truly need some extra TLC!" (2004)
Marci Morrison (LCSW, ACSW) and Bailey, a Border Collie mix, work at Winston Campus, a school for K through 8th grades. They provide individual and group goal-directed interventions with students. Some of the challenges the team helps students with include paying attention, listening, following directions, cooperation, empathy, reducing anxiety, socialization, respect and responsibility. Bailey is able to appropriately respond to a boy who has to use a Dynavox (talking machine) to speak. Another boy credits Bailey with giving him the courage to volunteer in front of the school at an assembly on working dogs. Bailey also listens to children read who are too embarrassed or frightened to read in front of others. (2004)
Tom Dornback and his yellow Lab, Heidi, have logged 233 physical therapy visits at Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center in Wheaton. One type of therapy the team participates in is walking with stroke survivors in an effort to help them regain strength on their weakened side. The team also works with depressed adolescents at Aurora's Provena Mercy Center and soon plans to start visiting at Evanston Hospital. Heidi understands 50 English phrases, and now is working on Spanish. She has a repertoire of 30 tricks and can "read" her name. (2004)
Debbie Held and her Collie, Rose, are part of a reading program at the downtown Tippecanoe County Public Library. About 15 youngsters read to dogs at a weekly "Paws for Reading" session, a part of the library's summer reading club. Children who normally are nervous about reading aloud in front of adults or other children will happily read to a dog – the dogs provide unconditional love and support, and don't pass judgment or snicker when words are mispronounced. Parents expect the program will help their kids become more comfortable reading and speaking in public. (2004)
Pet Partners at the West Lafayette Public Library
In Mason City, Zeek is making a big difference at the elementary school where handler Sheryl Mariner is a special education teacher. As the kids say, "Zeek loves us always." In the classroom he is a source of comfort to a child with behavioral challenges, a good listener to a struggling reader, and a companion to a boy with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy who has to lie on the floor and have his muscles stretched twice per day in the hopes of keeping him walking just a little longer. Zeek even senses when one of the children is having a seizure, and he always lies right by her to make sure she is okay. When they're having a particulary stressful day, staff members, including the principal, can be found on the floor in the middle of Sheryl's classroom petting Zeek. Though Sheryl works with just a small population of children in the school, she is known to other students, who are excited to greet the Chocolate Labrador on their way into school, as "Zeek's Mom."
Mandy, a 9-year-old Golden Retriever, and Holly, a 7-year-old Dalmatian are therapy dogs, trained to boost morale at hospitals and nursing homes. The duo is now bestowing their expertise on reading students at Oak Park and Brookridge elementary schools. The students enjoy a greater level of success in reading to the dogs due to their calm, accepting, and nonjudgmental presence. Reading fluency is vital to student success because it is the basis of all other subjects. As one school principal said, "It really does work. If it works for one person, it works for more than that." (2004)
Christina Yohe's teammate, Taffy, doubles as both a Pet Partner and Christina's seizure alert dog in Independence. (Taffy also has alerted other people.) Christina and Taffy volunteer together at their local hospital. As well as competing in obedience and agility, Taffy received the Gold Standard Award from the Golden Retriever Club of America. (2004)
WAGS (We Are Good Students) is now completing its first year in Shawnee Mission Pubic Schools. Part of Delta's affiliate MO-Kan WAGS has 6 teams: Wendy Regehr and Tucker, Shirley May and Holly and Ryan, Joan Kemp and Mandy, Carol Wells and Carmen, Ellen Lash and Maggie, and Sandi Leonard and Cleo. These dogs listen to students who are reluctant to read and pay close attention to those challenged with ESL (English as a second language). WAGS has met fantastic success. They can't keep up with the demand and hope to recruit more volunteers next year. (2004)
Amanda Hodges and her 2 Borzoi Pet Partners, Kalinka and Lucy, share the love that only man's best friend can bring with the residents of St. Luke Extended Care. The Borzoi are gentle – just the right temperament, and just the right size for wheelchair petting. On a recent visit, Kalinka saved the day when she refused to go beyond one of the rooms while walking down the hall. A nurse went inside the room and found the resident of the room had dropped his oxygen tubing; he was helped because of Kalinka's sense that something was wrong. (2004)
Weekly visits to the Assisted Living Centers, Children's Comprehensive Services, and West Elementary Kindergarten Class have become part of Jill Honer and yellow Labrador Trapper's regular routine in Butte. Jill gets out Trapper's "visit bag" and he whirls around and jumps up and down in anticipation of another visit with "his kids." The students love to read to Trapper, learn about animal grooming, and sometimes just give him a big hug. (2004)
Renee Reynolds and her dog, Tigger, participated in research done by Megan Becher at the University of Nebraska as part of her thesis. The study looked at the affects of a therapy dog, battery operated dog, and a stuffed puppet dog on children with autism. The results of the study seem to show that the 2 subjects (both young boys) interacted more on a social level, and had a greater positive response, for a longer period of time, with Tigger, the therapy dog than with either of the 2 toys. Overall, this study indicates that a therapy dog can have a positive effect on a child with autism. (2004)
Joanne Stacher conducted an after school animal-assisted activity on "Responsible Pet Ownership." The program taught children about appropriate behaviors towards dogs, cats and rabbits. Joanne also integrated animal-assisted therapy into the program by using Pet Partner teams to assist children with their reading skills. Documented results show students who participated improved in comprehension, focus, reading skills, and self-esteem. This fall Joanne will be conducting a research program through the Plumus County-ELLI Program in conjunction with the California Literacy Council. (2004)
See what's happening with Pet Partners in New England.
Barbara Rosenthal and Willow, her Golden Retriever, love to make people feel better. The Pet Partners team visits Children's Institute, Somerset Hills Adult Day Care Center, Morristown Hospital, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. One of the side benefits of AAT for Rosenthal: "This makes me feel good. It's actually therapy for me, too. Not only does it make the kids and adults I see smile, but it makes me smile with them. I'll volunteer anywhere I'm needed." (2004)
The newest teaching assistant at Ascension School has impressive – and unusual – credentials. His name is Kona, a black Lab who is a registered Pet Partner with his owner, Ann Benson. They began their volunteer work at Holy Name Hospital, and after learning about dogs and reading programs, Benson decided to try Kona's skills out on students at the school where she works.The program is designed with different methods, depending on grade level, and has become quite successful in grades K through 3. Each student who reads to Kona receives a small booklet with their name on it and a photo of Kona, identifying them as one of "Kona's Kidz." An encouraging, non-threatening atmosphere is created by Kona's presence and reading becomes fun! (2004)
Nadine Benoit and her King Charles Spaniel, Benny, reduce loneliness and increase social and verbal interactions with patients at Hachensack University Medical Center's pediatric department and residents of the Jewish Nursing Home. Nadine explains, "Benny has a good disposition. He is sweet with kids and the elderly and his small size makes it possible for him to sit on the lap of a person confined to a wheelchair or placed on a bed so that he can be petted and talked to. His breed is known for calmness and agility." (2004)
After 4 years of nursing home and hospital visits, a move to Santa Fe, New Mexico has given Debra Linebeck and Ditto an opportunity for a new type of visit. They have become part of the HOSTS (Helping One Student To Succeed) program at Chavez Elementary School. As soon as Ditto prances into the classroom, children and staff smile widely. Ditto provides a calming, homelike effect on the classroom. (2004)
"Because animals make people smile, therapy begins the first time someone sees Blizzard and smiles." Says owner, Sheila Brenner, "This is the most rewarding work anyone can do." Blizzard's philosophy: "You pet me, you get me." Sheila Brenner and her Newfoundland therapy dog, Blizzard, volunteer weekly at area medical treatment facilities. At San Juan Regional Medical Center, several nurses have nicknamed her Blackie "Black Magic." Staff says that patients that won't talk to them will talk to this dog. Blackie received recognition from the AKC last winter. The group nationally recognized the black Newfoundland for her efforts by bestowing her with Honorable Mention in their AKC Awards for Canine Excellence. (2004)
Stefani Cohen and her Keeshond, Mugsy, have tailored a program towards 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds who are in mainstream and special education classes. With a lunch box filled with Mugsy's props – brush, treats, toothbrush, toothpaste (chicken flavored!) and toys – they discuss how animals and people need food, water, a place to play and sleep, as well as plenty of love and care. The team also teaches good manners around dogs, good dog behavior, and how animals have many of the same feelings as people. (2004)
Cate Pontoni and her Basset Hound, Molly, live a hustle-and-bustle New York lifestyle. Molly has a busy social life. The hound was named named Miss Congeniality at last year's Hell's Kitchen Howl-o-ween Dog Parade and has a dual career: model and Pet Partner therapy dog. Molly has appeared in numerous ads including some for Lenox China, Penny Pincher Pool Systems, Hush Puppies, Booda Velvets and most recently, Bounty Paper Towels. Now that she has broken into TV, she's set her sights on a weekly series set in a hospital, with a handsome, unattached doctor who falls in love with the cute therapy dog! (2004)
Sherry Therlby and her Tibetan Terrier, Doug, make bimonthly visits to the School of the Future, an innovative high school where many special-needs kids are mainstreamed. The students and staff enthusiastically greet this Pet Partner team upon each arrival. In addition to helping students overcome physical disabilities, Doug has worked magic on an emotional level. "There was a time when a boy came in and Doug just went crazy greeting him, excitedly and giving him kisses – he'd never done that before. The boy was smiling and they were playing for a while. After he left, I asked the teachers what was wrong with him, because it wasn't clear to me. They said he was severely depressed, he never smiled, he never responded to anyone. I couldn't have figured it out, but Doug knew." (2004)
Cleo, a Belgian Tervuren, and Eileen Anderson spend one day a week at Mount Markham Elementary School. They work with first and third graders who need the extra help of a non-judgmental audience. One student who could not read in October was reading at the third grade level this May. A special education classroom also has enjoyed the team's company. The students have completed a dog safety activity book, written collaborative stories incorporating the words Cleo knows and understands, and practiced audience participation story telling. (2004)
Pet Partners teams, Christopher Kende and Sophie and Celia Holm and Scout, participated in the 11th annual Dogswalk against Cancer on May 5, 2002 at Riverside Park, New York. Twenty-five Pet Partner Teams took part in the walk. More than 17,000 people and their dogs participated. (2004)
Sadie, a Golden Retriever owned by Joe Gangloff, was selected as a North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Animal (NCVMA) Hall of Fame Service Award winner. Sadie is a Pet Partner who was nominated by her veterinarian, Dr. Claudia Sims. The NCVMA honored Sadie at a special presentation on November 8, 2003. (2004)
Grace found Jill Preyer just when Jill needed her most. Preyer, the former director of mental health for Wake County, developed a neurological disorder that forced her to limit her clinical therapy practice. A friend found the mutt abandoned; Preyer took Grace for a walk and never gave her back. Grace's empathetic look inspired Preyer to consider AAT, something she thought would be good for both of them. Since Grace is such a quiet, gentle, healing dog, working with the elderly seemed perfect. Every Thursday they visit a nearby assisted living center, where Grace gets people to open up and talk, relax and just enjoy visiting. One retired nurse reflected, "Dogs are good medicine – I think they're the best therapy there is." (2004)
See what's happening with the Pet Partners in Piedmont - View Newsletter - July 2007
Aultman Hospital is offering some new medicine, called Happy Tails, a program that encourages Pet Partners and their handlers to visit patients. Elizabeth Fink, a Pet Partner, Pet Partner Instructor and Team Evaluator, and her Springer spaniel, Carly, mentor the volunteers in the program. "Almost everyone responds to the animals." she says. "The look on their faces when they see the dog coming in… well, it's not magic, but it's pretty close." Dave Dorland and his Bullmastiff, Meggie, and other Pet Partner teams visit with the patients for 5 to 25 minutes. Family members and hospital staff also appreciate the canine visitors. Nicole Griffith, unit director says, "It's emotionally stressful to be an oncology nurse. The dog seems to comfort and console. Its a few minutes that take you away from where you are." (2004)
Chani Atrieadies with Enfield, her Border Collie, and Jane Warehime with Dutchess, her Rottweiler, received top honors for their student-sponsored booth at Canton South High School's Health Fair last February. The 2 Pet Partners teams shared information about AAT, the effect of animals on the healing process, and how the animals interact with the patients. (2004)
Congratulations to Pet Partner Casey who was inducted into the Ohio Animal Hall of Fame for his outstanding work as a therapy dog by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. Casey, a miniature schnauzer, has been doing animal-assisted activities with handlers Jon and Vicky Kocara since 1996. The team regularly visits 7 hospitals and 8 assisted living and nursing homes. (2004)
See what's happening with Compassionate Canines in Central Oregon - View Newsletter
Rocky's parents, Ronald and Rosmary Dowd, are very proud of his elementary school attendance, which is very surprising, since Rocky is a dog! Rocky and Ronald, Pet Partner members of Compassionate Canines of Central Oregon participate in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program's Read Together program (of which Rocky is the official mascot) that promotes visits to local elementary schools. The first grade class at Buckingham Elementary School in Bend wrote and illustrated a book about Rocky and his visits to their school. (2004)
Becky Rodes has raised and trained Heidi, a Springer Spaniel, to be a Pet Partner at the school, sharing hugs, kisses, unconditional love and healing the pain of the young residents at The Christie School, a residential treatment school for children with behavioral and emotional problems. Heidi found one boy crying in the corner when she arrived one day. She went over to him, gave him a nuzzle followed by a big lick, and accepted his hug. He smiled and said, "Look, she remembers me!" Another day, a boy with "boundary issues" who could not be in a group with other teens, was visited by Heidi. Within a few minutes, he was petting her, doing tricks with her and laughing. The staff said they had never seen this teen so happy and relaxed. Another boy who has a difficult time sitting still and focusing, was very proud to have written a rap song for Heidi. (2004)
Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital and the Multnomah County Library have partnered to sponsor the innovative "Read to the Dogs" program, which pairs young readers with trained dog-and-handler teams to help children develop and strengthen their reading skills. Children register for sessions, which focus on creating a relaxed and non-judgmental environment where the youngsters can read without fear of making mistakes. (2004)
Gleason, a yellow Lab, is known as "Doctor Dog" at Rogue Valley Medical Center. He and owner, Sue Furubotten, began visiting pediatrics 2 years ago, adding obstetrics to their rounds when mothers in the middle of difficult births requested visits. One mom, in the hospital for 6 weeks due to a difficult pregnancy, took Gleason to her bed for 2 hours and finally delivered the natural way – giving Gleason credit for averting a planned Caesarean. Another mom, after a hard delivery, was asked if she wanted a priest – no, she wanted Gleason. On the pediatric ward, one small girl, in a lot of pain, had been crying for several days. The second Gleason got on her bed, the crying stopped. Another patient, in severe pain from a ruptured appendix, fell right to sleep with Gleason when he hopped up on her bed. Sometimes Gleason's attention works better than medicine at reducing pain, his clients say. (2004)
Beamer, a solid blue Maine Coon cat, is helping to teach students good social skills in a Lincoln School classroom. Margie Smith, teacher and Beamer's 'mom', realized that her students were not cuing in to other students' body language, resulting in raised voices or physical disputes. Beamer started 'teaching' the students more appropriate behavior as they observed his reactions to a variety of situations in the classroom. They learned that Beamer would interact more with them if they used quiet voices and "quiet hands and bodies." The hope is that the students will transfer these revelations to their interactions with each other. (2004)
Mid South Therapy Dogs (a Delta Society Affiliate) won the award for Animal Organization of the Year. This small affiliate is making a big difference in their community.
Therapy Dogs at LaBonheur Children's Medical Center
Scooter, Pet Partners Teammate of Anita Edson, visits with residents of the C. C. Young Retirement Community in Dallas.
Pam Wilken, RN, and Pam Kemp, PhD, the Monclair Elementary School nurse and school counselor, are registered Pet Partners. The two decided one day to bring Wilken's Golden Retriever, Jordan, and Kemp's cat, Data, to school. Jordan and Data proved to be quite popular, as the children stopped by the counseling office to greet them each morning or afternoon. One child confided that Jordan is "the best thing about school." An important side benefit was observed developing in the children due to their interactions with the animals – empathetic kindness! In addition to providing special "counseling," Data and Jordan participate in a reading program, encouraging first grade students, who needed a jump start with their reading, to improve their skills. (2004)
The Panhandle Pet Partners would like to express their sincere appreciation for the support they have received from Baptist St. Anthony's Hospital and Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society. Both organizations have been most gracious in providing facilities and equipment for workshops and evaluations, and encouragement and help to broaden the animal visitation programs. (2004)
The University of North Texas has awarded its "Outstanding Program of the Year" award to Dr. Pam Flint and her yellow Lab, Roxy. This is the first time a therapy dog team has won this highly competitive award that is annually bestowed to the outstanding service program on campus. Dr. Flint and Roxy work as co-therapists in the Counseling and Testing Center at the university. They are the first Pet Partner team to work at the center, and only the second to work on campus. (2004)
There is little question why Josh, Rusty, and Otter are three of the Jackson-Keller Elementary School's favorite weekly visitors in the library. Just like the fictional canines, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Hank the Cowdog, these real-life animals inspire students to read. Josh, Rusty and Otter are 3 of the dogs participating in the "Story Tails" program. "Story Tails" is a pilot program developed by the school and Delta Society of San Antonio designed to provide a dog as a reading partner to children who are struggling readers or do not have the confidence to read aloud. The basic premise is that reading to an animal takes away the reluctance a student might feel and creates a positive experience that will enhance learning. The results are major gains in the students' confidence and reading ability. In addition to improving reading skills, students also are learning how to care for animals and about social interaction. The school's principal feels the dogs have made a wonderful difference in student morale. Mary Geltz and her Lhasa Apso, Sara Lee, enjoyed having their noses in books during "Story Tails," at a local elementary school. In fact, Geltz even wrote a book, "Sara Lee Becomes a Delta Doggy!" which includes puppy pictures and "tails" of Sara Lee's adventures as a Delta Society Ambassador. (2004)
Carlynn Ricks and Darcy, a little terrier, share their love and compassion with patients in hospice care. A tiny, frail, lucid, 90-year-old woman, with whom they had visited several times before, was clearly close to death. During a recent visit, the woman hugged and rubbed Darcy's coat for 1/2 an hour. When Ricks and Darcy left, the woman quietly fell asleep. She died the next day, but Ricks feels her transition was helped by Darcy's loving presence. (2004)
Montclair Elementary School in Garland, Texas enjoys the services of the Pet Partner teams of Pam Kemp, school counselor, and cat Data, and Pam Wilken, school nurse, and dog Jordan. During the "dog day" and "cat day" each week, children can visit the counselor and her furry assistant for the extra nurturance that can make a big difference. Selected children also participate in R.E.A.D. each week, a research project implemented through the University of North Texas, which seeks to determine whether children who read to a cat or dog on a weekly basis make significant gains in reading. Data and Jordan definitely lend a child-friendly ambience to the school. (2004)
Dana Tumpowsky, director of public relations for the Salt Lake City libraries, agreed to host Intermountain Therapy Animals' (ITA) Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program pilot mainly to achieve a public relations coup – a way to get some attention for her library, and to do something unique that no one had done before. On the first day she was awestruck! "When children read to dogs, the experience is just magical – there's no other way to describe it," she says. (2004)
Catherine Chamberlain and her Boston Terrier, Chato, who participate in the R.E.A.D. program at the Midvale Boys' and Girls' Club, understand just how convinced most children are that the dogs they read to listen and absorb what they are hearing. One second grader informed them, "I really scared that big black dog the other day!" When asked how, he replied, "I read him a ghost story!" (2004)
Carron Gordon and her Springer Spaniel, Meg, saw positive results in just one session of the R.E.A.D. program. One 10-year-old girl was finally convinced to try to read to Meg ("Meg can't read either, but she loves to listen," or "Meg doesn't care if you miss a few words, she will enjoy sitting with you and hearing the sound of your voice," etc.). She picked a small book and struggled slowly and valiantly through it, totally engrossed, until, 45 minutes and 32 pages later, she turned the last page. She gasped, wide-eyed,"Oh! I've never been able to finish a whole book, ever before in my life!" That's what R.E.A.D. is all about! (2004)
Sandi Martin was honored with the Daily Points of Light Award, September 19, 2002. Sandi conceived and launched the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) program for Intermountain Therapy Dogs®. In combining her 2 passions, animals and a life-long love of reading, Martin developed a literacy skills program for children using therapy animals and their handlers as literacy mentors. The pilot program began in 1999 with 100 children. All children increased their reading levels significantly with 2 children improving by almost 4 levels. The program continues to grow and blossom. Read more about the R.E.A.D. program. (2004)
Pam Bernadini's English lop rabbit, Jillian, does double duty: she works in Ms. Bernadini's fifth grade classroom and at the Mayo Healthcare Facility. At school, the students participate in several compassion-building activities, and complete a study unit on elders. Then, individual students join Jillian and Ms. Bernardini on a weekly visit to the senior care facility. Smiles, comments and questions are shared with the rest of the class the following day, and the class journal receives entries describing the care facility adventures. One student's experience motivates the next student's participation. (2004)
Steve Seekins and Naomi Howe visit hospitals, schools and other facilities in the Northern Virginia/Metro DC area with their Aussies, Merlin and Galadriel. At INOVA Fairfax hospital, they visit the pediatrics section weekly where the patients eagerly await them. In addition to getting lots of attention from both the children and the staff, Merlin and Galadriel show off with tricks and regularly scheduled Obedience and Agility demonstrations in the patient Atrium. As a teacher in the Fairfax County school system, Naomi frequently brings the dogs to schools and meetings. As a result of the high stress level in the schools during the DC area sniper attacks this past year, Naomi offered to do visits to classrooms. We have since had many requests from teachers and school principals and enjoy helping the children learn about our dogs, as well as the basics of pet care and training. We have lots of opportunities to expand the programs in our area - especially at the hospitals, so we are eagerly soliciting more volunteers. If you are a newly certified team in our area, or a long time certified team that is either inactive or new to this area, please contact us at sseekins@earthlink.net or call Steve Seekins at 703-418-8651 (days) to arrange a meeting. (2004)
Some of the newest teachers in the D.C. area have 4 feet and wag their tails. Schools are successfully using dogs to improve students' reading abilities. At Hally Elementary School, librarian Kathy Brown shares her lab, Chester, with students who may have been reluctant readers at first but are now enthusiastically improving their skills. (2004)
Charlottesville
Marsha Frick and her Great Pyrenees mix Ivy make monthly appearances at a Charlottesville library, and are to be found every Wednesday attending kindergarden at Burnley-Moran Elementary School where they have just been joined by the team of Pam Gibson and Ziggy, a handsome, young Labradoodle. Tara McLaughlin and her German Shepherd Sattva and Shelley Preddy with her Cocker Spaniel mix Roxie have also joined Tales 'n' Tails with a R.E.A.D. ® pilot program at Brownsville Elementary School in Albemarle County.
Tara, Sattva, Shelley and Roxie also make weekly AAT visits to the University of Virginia's HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. When asked what the best thing is about AAT, a HealthSouth speech therapist replied, " Observing a patient's smile, hearing a patient laugh, hearing a word/sentence, sometimes for the first time.... The patient talking more while giving directions....The patient recalling (memory) where he hid all the treats....The patient recalling her dogs' names." That same therapist went on to say, "I think AAT is a vital aspect of a rehab. program because it is an uplifting approach for therapy...uplifting and therapeutic to the patient as well as staff." Tara is also a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and a Delta Society evaluator.
Annemarie Kershaw and Rudy and Nancy Terry and Hoku have passed their Pet Partner evaluations and plan to be active in AAT locally.
Visit http://www.charlottesvilletherapyanimals.com/ for more information -- if you're interested in joining us as Delta Pet Partners, if you're new to Virginia and are already a Pet Partner team looking for support and/or a placement, or if you'd like more information about R.E.A.D.
Laurie Cottier and her Pet Partners, Cisco and Mocha, received the Volunteer of the Year Award by the American Rottweiler Association. In addition, both dogs were honored with the Anvil True Award for outstanding service. (2004)
At St. Joseph Medical Center, hallway traffic jams are commonplace as Ulysses, Morgan and Speckles try to make their way to the inpatient rehabilitation unit. A little boy stops to pet and hug Speckles, Pam Thompson's Border Collie. Several patients in wheelchairs stroke the rich Birman fur of Ulysses, Annette Lanker's cat, and the smooth coat of Morgan, Gretchen Melchior's Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Recreational therapists are continually amazed at the animals' transforming powers. People with depression will smile for the first time in weeks when they pet Ulysses. Others are motivated to get up and get ready to meet the animals during a scheduled visit. And a woman who lost a foot due to a car accident is upbeat as she talks about the animals and the positive effect they're having on her recovery. (2004)
The Pet Partner team of Pat Dowell and Ben, a Newfoundland, received a visit by a man and woman in hospital scrubs during a holiday event for young patients at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital last winter. The woman got on her knees and buried her face in Ben's neck and asked him for kisses. While he obliged her wishes, the man spoke of his love of dogs and how he always wanted a giant breed dog. The woman never looked up nor took her hands off of Ben. Dowell learned the couple were from Kansas, but temporarily living in Vancouver to be be with their son who was in the hospital. They really missed their dog which they hadn't seen for several months. After a few minutes, the woman looked up from Ben's neck with a tear-streaked face and quietly said that their son had just died. Nothing more was said as the husband knelt, put his arm around his wife, and moved Ben's head to his lap. (2004)
Reading with Rover is a new and exciting program in the Northwest that involves kids, dogs and literacy. The people-dog teams work at Woodmoor Elementary, the largest elementary school in Washington state. The program is unique because the teams work with children who can't read. The dogs have made a huge difference in the attitudes and confidence of the children. Students who had to be dragged to the reading area now have to be dragged away. For some children reading to dogs can be less stressful than to adults. Becky Bishop, who started Reading with Rover says, "Dogs are so non-judgmental. It's easy to open up to a dog." This summer Becky worked with Barnes and Noble to start a Reading with Rover at the bookstore in Woodinville, WA. Children coming to the children's section of the bookstore are invited to "Pick your book, then pick your dog." The program has been very popular. Aaron, one of the readers, thought the dog listeners were fun: "They're always kind of into the story, looking at the pictures," he said. (2004)
Pet Partner Ben, a brown Newfoundland, has been spending his summer at camp. Ben has been attending a camp for children with cancer on the Oregon coast. He visits and gives cart rides. One little redhead girl became a fixture in Ben's cart. On the last day of camp, she started crying. Pat Dowell, Ben's teammate, asked what was wrong. She was crying because her cancer was in remission so she would not attend camp next year and wouldn't see Ben! (2004)
Gunther loves children. He's always loved them, ever since he was a tiny tubular wiener baby who accompanied Dorothy Ann Hawkins to school where she taught 4th grade. This past year has provided profound experiences for Dorothy and Gunther as they made many new and special friends while visiting Spokane's Deaconess Hospital children's intensive care. Gunther became known for his healing kisses. It was there that Gunther met Aaron, a shy 11-year-old boy, who had been receiving chemotherapy. Aaron was very knowledgeable about dogs and became enamored with Gunther. Dorothy spent a lot of time in the hospital room being "grilled" by Aaron and his father about dachshunds. The last chemo session ended and it was time to go home. Coincidently it was Aaron's birthday and his Dad presented his son with Bishop, a tiny squirming wiener baby, to take home. (2004)
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