Dogs, Seniors and Young People.
Excerpt : Senior Visiting with Dogs and Young People. I have had the privilege to visit with the seniors now for many years with my Dogs. I have two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny. I take them both visiting in
Senior Visiting with Dogs and Young People.
I have had the privilege to visit with the seniors now for many years with my Dogs. I have two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny. I take them both visiting in separate senior homes. I belong to Therapeutic Paws of Canada. What a wonderful organization it is.
How did I get started into this wonderful work? I was visiting a dear young friend in the palliative care unit in our local hospital. My friend was dying. On this day, she was totally exhausted and sleeping. I was watching her, in turmoil with what was happening when very softly in walked Linda and Tasha, the resident visiting golden retriever. My friend could not benefit from this visit, but boy, I sure did. This dog helped me get a grip on my emotions. Such a beautiful dog she is. Tasha and Linda the owner became my mentors. I
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs
Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems -- which can be frustrating for owners who want to see Fido comfortable and happy. Does your dog have a...read more
Tips For Finding Lost Dogs
When your best friend gets lost: Tips in finding your dog
"The dog is man's best friend," so the saying goes. Dogs have
proven to be loving and...read more
|
knew this is what I wanted to do. Tasha’s owner, Linda, wrote a “Tribute to Tasha”. I have it published on my site, with her permission.
http://www.mimfreedom.com/images/Animalsspecial/LindaTasha.htm
One of our church members has moved to the same home I take Nikki visiting. Because of this, I have had an unexpected pleasure; one of our young people, Cassandra, has volunteered to come with me. She observes Nikki visiting, and she talks with the seniors, holds their hands. She makes them smile, big-time!
When we go into the home, I first let Nikki visit with the residents, and Cassandra also visits with them, the seniors love it. We then end the visiting by seeing our friend, Daniel. What a great way to spend an hour or two.
It is not
Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com
difficult to train a dog for visiting. All of the ‘Therapy Groups” that I am aware of do not required to have any “outside” training. It is very easy to train your own dog, and if you need help, there is information available. I also have information on my therapy site, http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm
Different organizations have different requirements. But, with most of them your dog needs to be one year of age and pass a three part screening process. Health, skills and aptitude
The health screening is done by your Veterinarian and certifies that your dog is healthy and free from parasites, disease and infections and all shots are current.
The skills test, modeled after the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen
test evaluates whether the animal can
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
be controlled by the handler and follow basic commands.
The aptitude test is designed to simulate conditions you may encounter on a visit. How would your pet react around a wheelchair, walker, cane, noises, and slippery floors such as in a hospital, elevators, crowds of people, and being hugged and petted by more than one person at a time?
Cassandra, my young friend, has written in her own words for us what she feels about this wonderful work. By Cassandra:
I have started to go visiting some of the senior homes in my neighborhood with my friend Ruth and her two dogs, Nikki a Golden Retriever and Benny a Black Lab. Her dogs were trained for Therapeutic Paws of Canada and are certified by them. They are very gentle and loving dogs.
My name is Cassandra and I just turned 14. I am going to be starting high school in
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
How to Care for Your Dog's Ear
Regular ear care for your dog Routine ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Perform regular checks and cleaning between visits to...read more
Gifts For Dog Lovers, And Dogs
There is a plethora of dog gifts available in the marketplace, with each gift type celebrating a different breed of dogs - man’s faithful companion....read more
|
the fall and looking forward to it. Visiting the seniors with the dogs is a great way to give something back to the community and it is something that gives me great pleasure in doing. I have a 7-year-old sister who also enjoys visiting the seniors as well. I have always liked animals and have three at home, one dog and two cats.
My first visit to the senior home was very enjoyable. The first few visits will probably just be getting to know the people who live there. Who likes dogs and who doesn’t? We met several seniors who really liked Nikki. As we keep going to this home I’m told that they will remember the dogs more then they remember the people who bring the dogs.
While we were there I met Daniel, a senior member of our church and a very enjoyable man. He had just moved into the home and was very lonely. I think he
Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com
really liked the visit because on our next one I was surprised when he remembered me. That gave me such a good feeling to know that our visit was well received.
So I would highly recommend that if you like talking to people and want to be doing something in your spare time to visit the seniors in your neighborhood it will give them something to look forward to and you a great feeling.
About the Author
My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. Omega 3 has become one of my favorite topics.
http://www.mimfreedom.com
http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm
More Dogs Articles
Your Dogs Health - The Basics Every Pet Owner Should know
Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the...
Children and Dogs
presented by David the Dogman
As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of...
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
For Dog Lovers Like You and Me
|
sitemap
Partners :
iPods | Property in Cyprus | Build your own Dory Boat | Find jobs | Compare Savings
copyright www.knowaboutdogs.com 2006
|
Recently Added Dogs Articles
Burberry for Dogs?
Burberry is one of the world's famous designer brands. But branded trenchcoats and sweaters for dogs? A thought that may make you raise your...read more
Nikki and Benny, My Therapy Visiting Dogs.
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends. Here is short report of our visit. First, let me tell you just a little bit about my...read more
Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Periodontal disease (problems in the area around the teeth) is
one of the most common health problems in companion animals. It
is estimated that 80...read more
Extend Your Dog's Life Using These Simple Grooming Tips
If your dog is an important part of your life, you will want to provide the best of care for her so she can enjoy a long and rewarding life. A...read more
How to control flea infestation on dogs
If you were asked if your dog is healthy and happy, how would you respond? A dog can’t speak for himself and relies on you to be his eyes and ears...read more
.gif)
Inhalant Allergies In Dogs And Cats
Several objects in the environment can be inhaled by pets and can trigger allergic reactions in dogs and cats. These objects induce the cells of...read more
Dogs From Animal Shelters
from David the Dogman
The ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet are:
Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy...read more
Charming Trends in Jewelry; Fashion trends that owners and their dogs can share.
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the...read more
IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE AS GRATEFUL AS DOGS . . .
IF ONLY PEOPLE WERE AS GRATEFUL AS DOGS . . . As I gave my dog a small morsel of toast the other day, I reflected on how grateful a creature she is....read more
Dogs Can Be Psychic Mediums Too
My dog Pepper is a medium of sorts. He sees spirits, angels, and
other beings I can't see. This came in handy recently.
One of my dogs, Bits,...read more
Some News About Dogs
|
