Tails from a Pet Therapy Volunteer

My dog Abby had been a part of my family for about a year when we moved into a new neighborhood.  The new neighborhood gave Abby a tremendous opportunity to experience a host of new sights, sounds and smells on our morning walks together.  During our walks Abby discovered a group of kids waiting for the bus and it quickly became our ritual for Abby to happily greet them everyday.  The minute Abby would see the kids she would approach them, wag her tail happily and promptly flop over on her back for inevitable belly rubs.

Abby was so gentle with the younger children, who immediately lit up excitedly when they interacted with Abby.  As I witnessed her kind and submissive demeanor, I knew that Abby was special, caring and compassionate dog that had a special gift.  I wanted to share her gift with those who could benefit from her ability to bring joy to others.  I knew that I had to get her into an Animal Assisted Therapy Program where she could help people in need.

After researching pet therapy programs, we contacted Bideawee and signed up for Bideawee’s Pet Therapy Training Classes, and within a short time we were a certified Pet Therapy team through Bideawee and the world renowned Delta Society.  For the past 4 years Abby and I have been volunteering with Bideawee’s pet therapy program and brining Abby’s love to people in the community.  The program is one of only four Delta Society affiliated programs in New York and has provided Abby and I an opportunity to touch the lives of others in very profound ways. 

We’re fortunate that we have the opportunity to have monthly visits to the John J Foley Nursing Home where we’ve established incredible relationships with some of the residents.  Every time we visit, Abby eagerly pulls me down the hallway to visit a woman named, Virginia.  She is a woman trapped in a body that doesn’t allow her to speak so she uses a computer program for the majority of her communications.  Although she has mobility in only one hand and she is slumped in her wheelchair, Virginia always uses her good hand to pat her lap so Abby will come close and she can rub her ears.  She laughs in her way while she pets Abby and signs “Thank You” when we leave. The staff has told me that she is a former veterinarian who had a menagerie of animals throughout her life and I know that Abby provides her with a tremendous lift and comfort during our visits. 

Another resident on Abby’s favorite list is a married couple, Alberta and Chick.  Chick just turned 99 and he always greets Abby with, “Rin Tin Tin!” or “Hey Rinnie!”  At first, I thought he was confused about Abby’s breed because she is a Cattle dog mix; however, the staff explained that Alberta and Chick used to have German Shepherds.  During our visit, they share stories of their lives and dogs with us.  Although it is evident that Chick is getting weaker, I always see a spark in him when he visits with Abby.

Many residents are not capable of making direct contact and I sometimes wonder if our presence makes an impact at all.  At one resident visit, the woman seemed almost catatonic, without expression.  We walked to her and Abby stood quietly by her side for a few moments.  As we left the room, the woman faintly said “Thank you.”  The recreational therapist who accompanies us said that was the first time she had heard the woman speak in the weeks since she had arrived there, it was a powerful moment for Abby and I.

It might be cliché, but I do think Abby feels as fulfilled as I do when we leave.  Her demeanor changes when I snap on her Pet Therapy vest and we walk towards the nursing home.  It is as if she knows that it is time for her to go to work.  And, just as important, when we walk out of the facility she knows work is over and it is time for play!

If you have an animal that loves people and you want to make a difference in the lives of others, I encourage you to join the Bideawee Pet Therapy Program.  Call 866-262-8133 to learn more about this inspirational program.