Therapy dogs and their owners make weekly visits to Centennial Place where they build relationships with residents. It’s safe to say that the attention is appreciated by all parties.
Is your dog friendly? Is he/she well behaved with strangers? If you have a special dog that you are willing to share with an appreciative audience once a week, you might be a candidate for the Therapy Dogs program. East Central Therapy Dogs has a group of 85 volunteers who bring their pets to PRHC, local long term care homes or VON Day Centres once a week where the pets share their unconditional affection with patients and residents in these local facilities who eagerly anticipate each visit.
All therapy dogs have been screened by the organization. There is no training for the therapy dogs, nor are there preferred breeds or other physical traits used in the dog selection process. Therapy dogs are tested primarily for temperament to identify animals that are calm, obedient and confident in a crowded, institutional setting.
The testing process simulates situations the dogs might face on the job in a hospital or nursing home, including as sudden loud noises, wheelchairs and white coats. It includes twelve components to determine the dogs’ suitability based on their reactions. Can they be distracted by another dog? Will they stay close to their owners even in a milling crowd? Can they handle loud instructions from a stranger?
Once approved, volunteers are asked to commit to one visit a week at their assigned location. This continuity of engagement enhances the experience for volunteers and clients as they build friendships during their weekly visits.
Studies have shown that the simple act of petting a dog releases an automatic relaxation response, lowering blood pressure. They can reduce loneliness, stress and anxiety by providing an external focus of attention. In addition to alleviating signs of depression, they can reduce agitation in dementia patients and provide welcome distraction from institutional settings. Visits by these canine therapists can improve the quality of life for their clients while their handlers enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference in their community.
If you are interested in joining this group, register for one of their next evaluation sessions scheduled for 9 am and 10:30 am on Saturday, March 29th at Applewood Retirement Home located at 1500 Lansdowne St. West in Peterborough. To learn more, visit their website at www.ectd.ca, complete a registration request and submit it to eastcentraltherapydogs@gmail.com. KG