Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 23, 2004 9:39:43 GMT 1
Posting this on behalf of the author, Christina, and with grateful thanks for permission to reproduce it here.
Inside Pet Therapy
By Christina Eggenberger - (USA)
I'll never forget the day my dog passed the test that would certify him by Therapy Dogs International. I couldn't grasp at the time where it would lead us, and I didn't immediately put us to work. As time went by I realized that unless I put my dog to work as a therapy dog, I had no right to claim he had earned the title. In the back of my mind lingered a twinge of reluctance. Yes, he had passed the test, but would he succeed? Would I succeed? Taking your dog into a facility where the sick and elderly are cared for can be a bit scary at first.
Countless times I had driven by the nursing home so close to my house. Finally one day I made that phone call, and Komet and I became regular visitors.
The first visit was stressful. I didn't know what to expect. But I knew Komet would behave, and I had plenty of treats on hand to encourage him, so I took a deep breath and decided to handle it as it happened.
Komet and I learned to expect almost anything. This taught us to constantly watch each other and our surroundings. One patient may use a cane to get around; the next may have a walker. Many patients are in wheelchairs (some motorized), and still others are bedridden. Some may use a respirator; others may have splints and/or bandages on parts of their bodies. I learned to be alert along with my dog and help him by assuring the patient, and any family members who may be visiting, that both of us will use utmost care. This is easy, really. A simple introduction helps a lot. Asking the patient if they want to visit guarantees your next step. What's most important is to be confident because everyone, including your dog, will feel that confidence.
Not all patients want to visit with a dog. Some will just say no, others may wish to observe but not touch. A key to being a good therapy dog team is to give patients what they want. A mistake we can make is thinking all people want the same thing. Perhaps your dog knows tricks or entertains in some other way. Although this can be a great icebreaker or handy if you have a group of patients assembled in one room, when it comes down to dispensing TLC, that's a one-on-one moment between the patient and your dog.
Visiting a health care facility of any kind will expose you to heartbreaking situations. During our time at the facility we saw patients come and go, and usually the ones who go never return. One time a patient may be ambulatory, next time they seem to be merely hanging on. It was amazing to me that my dog didn't seem as affected by what he saw or smelled as I did. I got strength from him, and the patient did, too, evidenced by even the faintest smile.
Beyond what you may encounter with patients, you will also deal with the medical staff. Those folks are always busy in the hallways, and they push carts and escort patients here and there. They seem to dart around, and you'll likely encounter two different kinds - those who are not at all fond of dogs, and those who may be way too eager to meet your dog. Either way, your job is to help the people interact. It is just as important to supervise a greeting, as it is to avert one if necessary. You want a successful encounter, even if there is no physical contact. Use that obedience training your dog has learned. Asking your dog to sit can allay fears because it demonstrates that your dog is under control.
Visits to health care facilities will also offer you opportunities to smile. Komet and I had a "cat lady" who meowed at us, and there were occasionally folks who barked. One very nice gentleman liked to give Komet treats, but made him hunt for them. Playing ball can often open opportunities for a good laugh. The cat lady wound up like Nolan Ryan one day and delivered a fastball. She was very accurate, Komet caught it, and I cringed.
If you are a member of a group of therapy dog teams, you are responsible for being a good group member. Patients can become overwhelmed when a herd of dogs and handlers descend upon them. Plan in advance your strategy and work together as a team to not only allow the patients time with the dog of their choosing, but the dogs time to relate in their own way. In most groups different breeds are represented. Try to read your audience and utilize each dog to its best potential. The patients will let you know.
Tumbledown's Bright Komet, CGC, TDI
January 17, 1998 - April 22, 2003
Chris Eggenberger and Komet visiting the nursing home on his third birthday.
When delving inside therapy visits, there are a few more things to consider. Always give your dog a chance to potty before entering a facility. If your visit is lengthy, take another potty break. A dog can feel the need to urinate when it is nervous or stressed. Allowing him to relieve himself can help ease that tension. It is also a good idea to take with you a plastic bag for poop collection if necessary.
Be sure your dog is clean and well groomed. A simple doggy handshake can damage fragile skin if his nails are too long. You also don't want a patient's hands tangled in a choker-type collar. Too often patients want to hold the dog's leash or collar. Use equipment that is least likely to cause harm to a weak or disabled patient. Do not take a dog that is already exhausted from some other activity. You should consider your own health as well. The last thing you want to do is share your silly little cold with the patients.
One constant remained true in the time I worked with my dog. Patients who like animals always have a story to tell about the pets they've owned. If your goal is to provide therapy, then allow the memories to flow. You will enjoy the pathways those memories travel.
© Christina Eggenberger - 2002
To learn more about Therapy Dogs International, visit their website at www.tdi-dog.org
Inside Pet Therapy
By Christina Eggenberger - (USA)
I'll never forget the day my dog passed the test that would certify him by Therapy Dogs International. I couldn't grasp at the time where it would lead us, and I didn't immediately put us to work. As time went by I realized that unless I put my dog to work as a therapy dog, I had no right to claim he had earned the title. In the back of my mind lingered a twinge of reluctance. Yes, he had passed the test, but would he succeed? Would I succeed? Taking your dog into a facility where the sick and elderly are cared for can be a bit scary at first.
Countless times I had driven by the nursing home so close to my house. Finally one day I made that phone call, and Komet and I became regular visitors.
The first visit was stressful. I didn't know what to expect. But I knew Komet would behave, and I had plenty of treats on hand to encourage him, so I took a deep breath and decided to handle it as it happened.
Komet and I learned to expect almost anything. This taught us to constantly watch each other and our surroundings. One patient may use a cane to get around; the next may have a walker. Many patients are in wheelchairs (some motorized), and still others are bedridden. Some may use a respirator; others may have splints and/or bandages on parts of their bodies. I learned to be alert along with my dog and help him by assuring the patient, and any family members who may be visiting, that both of us will use utmost care. This is easy, really. A simple introduction helps a lot. Asking the patient if they want to visit guarantees your next step. What's most important is to be confident because everyone, including your dog, will feel that confidence.
Not all patients want to visit with a dog. Some will just say no, others may wish to observe but not touch. A key to being a good therapy dog team is to give patients what they want. A mistake we can make is thinking all people want the same thing. Perhaps your dog knows tricks or entertains in some other way. Although this can be a great icebreaker or handy if you have a group of patients assembled in one room, when it comes down to dispensing TLC, that's a one-on-one moment between the patient and your dog.
Visiting a health care facility of any kind will expose you to heartbreaking situations. During our time at the facility we saw patients come and go, and usually the ones who go never return. One time a patient may be ambulatory, next time they seem to be merely hanging on. It was amazing to me that my dog didn't seem as affected by what he saw or smelled as I did. I got strength from him, and the patient did, too, evidenced by even the faintest smile.
Beyond what you may encounter with patients, you will also deal with the medical staff. Those folks are always busy in the hallways, and they push carts and escort patients here and there. They seem to dart around, and you'll likely encounter two different kinds - those who are not at all fond of dogs, and those who may be way too eager to meet your dog. Either way, your job is to help the people interact. It is just as important to supervise a greeting, as it is to avert one if necessary. You want a successful encounter, even if there is no physical contact. Use that obedience training your dog has learned. Asking your dog to sit can allay fears because it demonstrates that your dog is under control.
Visits to health care facilities will also offer you opportunities to smile. Komet and I had a "cat lady" who meowed at us, and there were occasionally folks who barked. One very nice gentleman liked to give Komet treats, but made him hunt for them. Playing ball can often open opportunities for a good laugh. The cat lady wound up like Nolan Ryan one day and delivered a fastball. She was very accurate, Komet caught it, and I cringed.
If you are a member of a group of therapy dog teams, you are responsible for being a good group member. Patients can become overwhelmed when a herd of dogs and handlers descend upon them. Plan in advance your strategy and work together as a team to not only allow the patients time with the dog of their choosing, but the dogs time to relate in their own way. In most groups different breeds are represented. Try to read your audience and utilize each dog to its best potential. The patients will let you know.
Tumbledown's Bright Komet, CGC, TDI
January 17, 1998 - April 22, 2003
Chris Eggenberger and Komet visiting the nursing home on his third birthday.
When delving inside therapy visits, there are a few more things to consider. Always give your dog a chance to potty before entering a facility. If your visit is lengthy, take another potty break. A dog can feel the need to urinate when it is nervous or stressed. Allowing him to relieve himself can help ease that tension. It is also a good idea to take with you a plastic bag for poop collection if necessary.
Be sure your dog is clean and well groomed. A simple doggy handshake can damage fragile skin if his nails are too long. You also don't want a patient's hands tangled in a choker-type collar. Too often patients want to hold the dog's leash or collar. Use equipment that is least likely to cause harm to a weak or disabled patient. Do not take a dog that is already exhausted from some other activity. You should consider your own health as well. The last thing you want to do is share your silly little cold with the patients.
One constant remained true in the time I worked with my dog. Patients who like animals always have a story to tell about the pets they've owned. If your goal is to provide therapy, then allow the memories to flow. You will enjoy the pathways those memories travel.
© Christina Eggenberger - 2002
To learn more about Therapy Dogs International, visit their website at www.tdi-dog.org