Therapy dogs and volunteers: Keeping it ‘pawsitive’
Therapy Dog since 2023
Breed: Yorkie
Birthday: December 28, 2020.
Koki is a tiny little dog with buckets of cuteness who is always on the go. As one of the certified therapy dogs in the PATDogs team, she has experienced planes, trains, automobiles, backpacks, bicycles, and boats.
However, her favorite places to be are hiking in the woods and curling up on laps. Born in Florida, Koki has been living with Ngaire, George, and her big brother Tai for 3 years.
There are nearly 1100 registered facility volunteers within Prairie Mountain Health who have provided nearly 52,000 volunteer hours this year to the betterment of patients, clients and residents within the region. When we think of volunteers, we naturally assume that it’s all our ‘people’ in the region who are doing the volunteering. However, here’s something to chew on. There are ‘ruffly’ 50 registered pet therapy teams that provide therapeutic visits for the health and well-being of patients and residents within our hospitals and personal care homes.
The Therapy Dogs Program, coordinated through PMH and St. John Ambulance, continues to receive positive feedback across the region. Volunteer Ngaire Abernethy and certified dog Tai have visited Brandon Regional Health Centre since 2017. Abernethy, a volunteer for over 20 years, says dogs’ connections with people lift spirits and may help reduce pain and distress.
“There has been scientific research that has shown those exposed to animal therapy have demonstrated an overall improvement in physical pain. A compassionate visit can also help people cope with illness, trauma, stress and anxiety.”
Louise Stitt is a volunteer canine handler who has retired from working at Prairie Mountain Health.
“People ask me what I’m doing in my retirement, and I say I’ve gone to the dogs!” Stitt said. “Never have I experienced a time in my life when all I had to do was walk into a room with my therapy dog and automatically bring smiles and joy to those I met. It’s like carrying around a magic wand that makes everything a little bit better for people.”
And you don’t have to go far to chase additional accolades for the dog therapy initiative.
“Your visit is the highlight of my day and brings back happy memories of my own dogs.” (care home resident)
Therapy Dog since 2023.
Breed: Boxer Mix.
Birthday: April 16, 2021.
Sadie is a gentle soul her blue eyes and warm smile attract the attention she craves, ensuring she gets the ‘pats’ she thrives on.
“So glad to see Sadie visiting. This will help Mom’s care home transition. We’ll try to visit too” (from new PCH resident’s family at River’s Care Home).
“She’s here (the therapy dog)!! They’re (the residents) all waiting in the multi-purpose room, waiting to give her the ‘pats’ she craves….. but first, come over here, girl. I could use some lovin’ too, ha ha.” (from staff at a care home).
The Trauma Response Emotional Assistance Team (TREAT) is a specialized group of PATDogs who have received intensive training for both canines and handlers to manage more challenging and emotionally intense situations. Their role includes supporting staff who have experienced a critical event during their shift or responding to facility or community crises that require extra support.
To learn more about the Therapy Dog program in PMH, visit Therapy Dogs – Prairie Mountain Health. You can also visit the St. John Ambulance website St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program | St. John Ambulance Canada
