It’s Thursday and spry seniors Margaret Beechy and Bertha Kidnie anxiously wait to hear the pitter-patter of little feet down the corridor at the Caressant Care Arthur nursing home.
In seconds, an oversized, black Golden Doodle named Buddy pokes his face around the corner (with handler B.J. Reynolds) and is greeted with much love and a few dog cookies. Smiles abound, laughter fills the room as arthritic hands anxiously reach out and caress the dark, curly-coated dog that revels in all of the attention.
Buddy is a very special dog; he’s a St. John Ambulance therapy dog.
The use of dogs in therapy is not a new concept. During World War II, Corporal William Wynne came across an abandoned Yorkshire terrier, he named Smoky, that accompanied him in combat missions and provided comfort and entertainment to the troops. When the corporal found himself hospitalized, friends made a point of bringing the dog in. Other wounded soldiers sought visits with the dog and Smoky’s work as a therapy dog began and continued for 12 years following the war.
St. John Ambulance has provided therapy dog programs, recognizing the mental and physical health benefits it delivers to people in hospitals, special needs programs and long-term care facilities, for over two decades. The Elora-Fergus branch serves nursing homes, day programs, and the local hospital.
Research has shown pets have a profound effect on people’s health. People with pets have been shown to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased blood pressure levels, and reduced stress.
Visits from therapy dogs help people recover more quickly from surgery and strokes and they can reduce the feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety providing a sense of calm. For many, it helps ease the transition into a nursing home.
Caressant Care Arthur nursing home had its name on a waiting list for about four years before getting assigned St. John Ambulance therapy dogs to come in on a regular basis.
“Pet therapy has turned the community feel even closer. Not only do the residents feel they have animal companionship, they also have gained lasting friendships with the pet owners and their families,” said Jennifer VanBeek, activities co-coordinator for the facility.
“I don’t know how we got along without this vital service at our home,” she stated. “The smiles on the residents faces when the dogs and handlers walk in, is all it takes to know that this service is working.”
“They are great companions, great pals,” said Beechy. “They have unique personalities, if only people take the time to realize it. They accept anything and everyone.”
For animal lover Don Gillespie, confined to a wheelchair, visits with a therapy dog bring back fond memories of his dog, Shane, a golden retriever. They used to go on five-mile walks together and were the best of companions. “They are great for your nerves. They bring out the kindness in you and calm you down. I’d like to see more dogs,” he said.
For many nursing home residents, dogs were simply part of their everyday lives.
“I love to see them,” said Kidnie. “We were seldom without a dog on the farm.”Dogs simply make people feel more “at home.”
Margaret Culp said, “I love the fact that they interact with me. We can cheer everyone up. I feel needed for the companionship with the dog.”
“Therapy dogs come in all shapes in sizes,” said Reynolds, co-coordinator of the Elora-Fergus branch of St John Ambulance therapy dog program. “We have everything from Jack Russells to golden retrievers to mixed breeds taking part in the program. What is of utmost importance is their temperament; their willingness to interact with people in a calm manner.”
St. John Ambulance provides therapy dog certification to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria to engage in this service. “There is a desperate need for therapy dogs in our community,” said Reynolds. “If you have a dog that you believe may have the right temperament, would like to brighten the lives of people within our community and can commit to volunteer hours on a weekly basis, we’d like to hear from you.”
The next St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog testing took place on, April 9 at the St. John Ambulance facility in Elora. Anyone interested in serving with their dog should contact co-coordinators Reynolds at landofozfarms@hotmail.com or Anna Meyers at annameyers@xplornet.com. “It has been the most rewarding work, I’ve ever done as a volunteer,” said Reynolds.
That pitter-patter of feet down the hallway does amazing things for the soul.
