The Seniors Centre For Excellence congregate dining program held on Sept. 4 in Drayton featured three guest speakers and their four-legged friends. All are volunteers of a unique therapy program that focuses on area residents of all ages.
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program started as a pilot program in Peterborough and today has nearly 3,000 therapy dog teams across Canada. Therapy dog services are provided in hospitals, seniors residences and care facilities, schools, universities, colleges, community centers and libraries. Specialized work is done with drug and alcohol rehabilitation and with victims of post traumatic stress disorder.
The program provides an opportunity for each individual to talk with the volunteer and the dog; feel, touch, pet and cuddle the dog; receive unconditional love from the dog and carry out or practice an activity in the presence of the dog.
In the Fergus, Elora, Arthur area there are between 20 and 25 dogs in the dog therapy program. The therapy dogs must pass a 12-step test given by St. John’s Ambulance in order to participate in the program. There are no restrictions on breed, sex or size of dogs. Temperament is a large part of the testing and there is zero tolerance for aggression between therapy dogs and humans and other dogs. To remain certified dogs must log a minimum of 60-70 volunteer hours.
Therapy dog handlers receive training through the mentorship program. Handlers are required to be comfortable meeting and greeting clients and have the ability to control their dog. Each potential handler is taught how to deal with clients experiencing a number of different physical and mental conditions. The position is on a volunteer basis with visits two hours in duration.
Ron Key got involved with the dog therapy program after being in a serious car accident three years ago.
“My physiotherapist told me I needed to continue exercising at home, which I found very boring. I decided that walking a dog would keep me exercising. Alley, my six-year-old golden retriever, and I joined the program two years ago. It’s important for me to give back to the community,” Key said.
For more information on volunteering, donating or services with the program, contact the St. John Ambulance in your area or visit www.sja.ca/Community-Services/Pages/TherapyDog Services.
