It was Charles Shultz of B次元官网网址淧eanutsB次元官网网址� fame who said that B次元官网网址渉appiness is a warm puppyB次元官网网址�.
That sentiment is certainly in line with the work of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, a program that will soon be a regular feature for the residents of Kiwanis Village seniors facility.
B次元官网网址淲e noticed over the years how our residents loved it when a dog came to visit one of the folks here. The dog would become the centre of attention and seemed to have this wonderful affect on everyone,B次元官网网址� explained Meaghan Alford, the administrator of the Kiwanis Village Society.
B次元官网网址淲e also have a number of neighbours who make a point of walking their dogs through our grounds and our residents go out and wait for them to come. Some of the residents buy doggy treats for their furry friends. It was obvious that it was something we should look at.B次元官网网址�
Alford contacted Liz Barlow, the head of the Therapy Dog Program with a request that the Kiwanis Village become one of the clients of the service.
B次元官网网址淲e got the request and went to work recruiting, vetting, and training volunteers who would offer the service at that location. ItB次元官网网址檚 not as easy as it sounds and has taken a couple of months now,B次元官网网址� said Barlow.
B次元官网网址淲e have volunteers who are just in the final stages of being certified now and we are just about ready to go.B次元官网网址�
In order to qualify for the program the dogs have to be at least two years of age, have a good temperament and be in good health. The owners/handlers must have good communication skills, pass a criminal record check and have the time and commitment to fulfill their responsibilities under the program.
They then have to complete an orientation and training program of their own.
B次元官网网址淚 sort of revived this program when I got to Victoria five years ago as it was pretty much defunct at the time. But we got it going again and now we have teams that attend seniorB次元官网网址檚 homes, Royal Jubilee Hospital, the University of Victoria and classrooms and libraries. ItB次元官网网址檚 really something IB次元官网网址檓 very proud of,B次元官网网址� said Barlow.
Back at Kiwanis Village, the first visit of the therapy dogs arrived on Wednesday morning to the delight of the residents.
B次元官网网址淚t is so heartwarming to see the affect that our dogs can have in the lives of seniors. IB次元官网网址檝e been doing this for 18 years and it is just amazing when you see a senior with dementia suddenly break into a big smile when they come into contact with a dog. You know itB次元官网网址檚 having an affect,B次元官网网址� said Cora Thomson.
B次元官网网址淎ll the residents have a very good reaction, in fact. ItB次元官网网址檚 hard to describe the looks of happiness we see on their faces.B次元官网网址�
Thomson and her dog Corrie were also on hand when Kiwanis resident, Brian Grant entered the common room.
His face split into a grin as he called the dog onto the couch beside him and began to gently stroke Corrie.
B次元官网网址淚 used to have two dogs for a long time. I had to give them up but I miss them a lot. This is wonderfulB次元官网网址次元官网网址� he said, drifting off into what were undoubtedly memories of his own dogs in days gone by.
Bette Anderson and her dog Ferghus (not Fergus, said Anderson, as that would make him Irish and Ferghus is definitely a Scot) were also on hand and Anderson spoke about how she has volunteered for more than 10 years and is now a part of the St. JohnB次元官网网址檚 Ambulance program.
B次元官网网址淚 see the difference that it makes for people to come into contact with a dog. And itB次元官网网址檚 not only seniors. We go out to UVic at exam time and we see the calming effect the dogs have on over-stressed students. In libraries a child who is having trouble with reading can put it aside and simply enjoy FerghusB次元官网网址� company,B次元官网网址� said Anderson.
B次元官网网址淭his is something I love doing and I canB次元官网网址檛 think of anything that brings more happiness to people.B次元官网网址�
According to Alford, the initial visitations will happen at Heatherington House at the Kiwanis Village, but the plans are to expand the program to all the residences within the complex.
Anyone interested in the program should contact the St. JohnB次元官网网址檚 Ambulance Society in Victoria for further information.
