My First Therapy Dog Visit

"While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become the focus of dedicated research. Therapeutic modalities that use animals as a tool for improving the physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning of humans are called animal-assisted interventions (AAI), and are classified into: animal-assisted activities (AAA); animal-assisted therapy (AAT); and service animal programs (SAP).

The aim of this review is to analyze the papers published between 2001 and 2010 in the most influential medical journals dealing with AAI, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest for internal medicine and rehabilitation. A total of 35 articles met the strict inclusion criteria for this review: 18 papers dealing with AAA, 8 with AAT, and 9 with SAP.

The therapeutic outcomes associated with AAA are: enhancement of socialization; reduction of stress, anxiety and loneliness; improvement in mood and general well-being; and development of leisure/recreation skills. Regarding AAT, horses are often used as a complementary strategy to facilitate the normalization of muscle tone and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and persons with lower limb spasticity. Finally, most SAP utilize dogs, that assist people with various disabilities in performing everyday activities, thus reducing their dependence on other persons. Further studies are needed to better define the fields and programs for the therapeutic use of animals and to increase their utilization in medicine, as a promising, complementary and natural means to improve both functional autonomy and quality of life." from abstract, PMID:21659977

It's no secret, the therapeutic benefits of being owned by a dog, but when I was able to share my love and time with those that need it most...I was changed.

My collie, Disney and I have recently passed our CGC test and have been on probation for the OCSPCA PAWS Program: a pet-assisted therapy program that visit several facilities (from senior living to family shelters for abuse victims) throughout Orange County.   From the moment I adopted her, 6 months ago, I knew this is something she would be fantastic at.  Disney is a calm, gentle, affectionate girl, and what we call "bomb-proof".

The other day, we had our first visit at a rehabilitation center that serves those with functional disabilities, whether they're birth defects or medical or accidental situations.   Walking up to the front door, I knew not what to expect.  I was nervous, and unsure how Disney would react if someone pulled her hair, ran over her tail with a wheelchair or screamed at her.  Trying to control my nerves, as to not transfer them to her, I concentrate on my breathing, in and out slowly.  *Inhale*hold*Exhale* 

Inside a common room, I walk in with 5 other dog-handler teams.  The room has about 15 patients, most in wheelchairs, and many unable to communicate.  Immediately, there's a buzz of energy I can't explain, like waking the kids on Christmas morning.  I latch myself with a more seasoned team, and follow their lead.  The patients notice Disney right away, and try to get our attention.  Disney had no problem approaching wheelchairs, she somehow knew right away to put her long snout under someone's hand.  The patients that were able, ran their fingers through her hair, and were so excited to meet someone her (not us, just her).   She walked slowly, making sure to give everyone a good sniff, even if they weren't too interested in us.  More than once, her tail was run over and/or stepped on...no overreaction whatsoever.  There were a couple patients that wouldn't stop yelling or crying, and she walked right up to one and licked their hand, as if to reassure them that whatever it was, it's going to be okay.

The nerves subside, we've made our rounds, conversed with patients, small talk with the orderlies, it's time to leave.  I was so proud to share the love and affection I receive from Disney everyday.  Seeing her so calm and happy in such an environment, nearly brought tears to my eyes.   The PAWS team depart, and we make our way to a coffee shop to chat. 

I'm in awe by these people.  Selfless, kind, compassionate, wise...I could go on, and on.  I look forward to my next visit, and I can't wait to learn more from my fellow dog-therapy teammates.