A clever nurse noticed that patients' moods seemed much improved after a visit from the chaplain and his dog.
She spread the idea that a visit from a dog was good medicine and that's how therapy dogs got started.
I enjoy looking at pics of the therapy dogs going into hospitals, nursing homes, etc. They just walk around and work their magic.
They like handing out kisses.
And kisses are popular (and free).
They make you smile.
They let you connect.
This last one reminds me of our taking our dog Shiloh to the hospice during Mr. Cracker's granddad's last days.
He didn't know his family anymore, but he'd smile and say Shiloh's name over and over while he petted her.
And he was happy.
Those are great pictures, they all made me smile.
Posted by: Thomas at May 21, 2004 11:50 PMThanks, Thomas. They made me smile too.
Posted by: Donnah at May 22, 2004 12:10 AMThat's a great post. Therapy dogs rock, both for the people and the dogs. Dogs do brighten the day!
Posted by: Geoff at May 22, 2004 07:31 PMYes, they do.
Posted by: Donnah at May 23, 2004 12:21 PMDogs rock.
Except that one dog when I was a kid riding my bike. Always waited hidden until I got close enough then BAM! nothing quite works up that adrenalin than becoming the prey.
But dogs are kewl. The don't wrinkle their noses at nursing home smells. They like giving the attention as much as getting it, and if the old farts smile just a bit more a bit longer it's worth any number of bags of Alpo.
Posted by: IXLNXS at May 23, 2004 02:59 PMThe puppy was just jogging with you, IXLNXS. ;)
Actually, they can't recognize you as human when you're on a bike because of the shape. You're just some monster tearing through.
Posted by: Donnah at May 24, 2004 12:40 AMSomeday maybe they will stop taking old peoples' dogs away when they go into nursing homes. Maybe. But I doubt it. The convenience of the staff comes first.
You get dignity from doing something for somebody else. The old people can do something for their dogs. That's why they're taken away.
Posted by: Ron Hardin at May 24, 2004 07:00 AMOne of my precious dogs (a retired, but young, greyhound) just passed away - unexpectedly - only months before I planned to volunteer them (yes I did ask them!) as dog therapy for old folks.
The remaining dog, a 12YO Brittany, will soldier on without him, but I'll be looking to take on another adopted Greyhound to visit the old folks along with the Brittany.
Therapy dogs are great. The benefits go beyond kisses - studies show lower blood pressure, improved immune system and other measurable benefits from being around pets.
Posted by: rkb at May 24, 2004 08:56 AMMy dog is so stupid she would scratch all the people up trying to jump into their laps and knock over the ones who were ambulatory trying to get them to pet her. She's like a fur-covered bowling ball in that regard. That's what I get for owning a Bichon Frise, which is french for "lobotomized poodle."
Posted by: Brian Jones at May 24, 2004 12:19 PMCouldn't agree more. Whenever I find myself awake at 2am and unable to get back to sleep I go give the old pooch some ear and tummy scratches. More often than not I'm alseep a few minutes later. I can't explain it other than maybe I'm stealing some happy doggie energy.
Posted by: keggin at May 24, 2004 03:05 PMHow can I learn more and get involved with therapy dogs?
I live in Winter Haven, Florida
Posted by: Connie McChesney at August 21, 2004 07:35 PMThose of you who wish to find out more out therapy dog organizations in your area, please contact your local Humane Society.
Posted by: Donnah at August 22, 2004 08:47 PM