Monday, August 29, 2016

Trip Down Memory Lane

I went back to Haverford Estates Assisted Living a place I hadn’t visited in quite a while. I really don’t know why I stopped going there because Maggie and I had such a great visit. The residents were very warm and welcoming to us. I didn’t recognize anyone from my previous visits but we met many new friends and heard some great stories about their dogs from when they were younger! Many of the residents had never met a Goldendoodle before so I was happy to introduce a new breed to them. We first visited the main floor and then headed to “Reflections” which is their memory impairment unit. So why am I writing about this? As we are visiting with the residents in Reflections I noticed someone visiting with his mother so I decided to go over to talk with them. As we are talking I watched as his mother caressed his arm and I wondered if she even recognized his arm as the arm of the child she raised. I could see his love and devotion come through in his patience with her. I didn’t ask the questions running through my head, how long has his mother has been in this facility? How often he is able to visit with her? I figured he gets asked these questions one time too many. As this gentleman is petting Maggie we had a nice discussion about his desire for a Border collie once he is able to move out of his apartment. As I glance at his baseball cap I notice the emblem of a Redskin, the insignia of the football team from Maryland adorning it. I ask him why he is wearing that particular cap and he replied he originates from Maryland. When I told him I did as well, the nature of our conversation changed dramatically. We compared notes and realized we grew up approximately 2 miles from each other. We spent the next few minutes reminiscing about popular landmarks and hangouts we remembered from our youth. I had a hard time pulling myself away and giving attention to the other residents. I’m one of those people who believe that there is a reason for everything. The fact that I hadn’t visited this facility in quite some time but decided to go on this particular day when this person was going to be there was meant to be. My goal for each session is to bring some happiness to someone’s day. I guess today it was my turn to have a chance to leave the session with a big smile on my face. It was a great trip down memory lane!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover

I met a movie producer today. Yes, A real live movie producer. No, not one from Hollywood but one that produced movies in New York. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him as I met him during a therapy visit with Maggie. He gave me this information and quite honestly I didn’t know if I should believe him at first. He eyes the color of the clearest blue sky, were amongst the kindest eyes I have seen in a long time, and they didn’t appear to be joking. I started looking around his room and noticed many photos of him sitting in what looked like a director’s chair and a few more photos of him behind the camera… So he was telling me the truth. I looked at the pictures and saw a vague resemblance to the person sitting in front of me. His disheveled appearance differed from the photos of his youth. As most of the residents of the hospital, this gentleman chose not to talk about his career but instead talked about his dogs-the ones he missed and cherished. Work comes and goes but our true loved ones stay in our hearts forever. I didn’t recognize him as someone I had met before. I assumed he had been transferred here recently. This is a normal process. Patients get transferred to different hospitals in different cities/states depending on their benefits all the time. My curiosity of which movies he directed was piqued but I didn’t rush home and google his name. I felt my connection to him was through Maggie not through his movies. Perhaps one day I will take the leap and watch one of his movies but for now I was content to let that go. I do hope I get to see him when we go back for another visit as our discussion of his dogs was quite touching. So how did this information come out? As I walked into his room he was being notified he won first place in the hospital’s art contest. What did he draw? He drew a picture of wolves. Obviously this is a very talented person. I did check out the drawing on my way out and was very impressed with the drawing.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Endorphins

Most of us have heard of the positive relationship between exercise and endorphin output. For those that love to exercise we know how it feels to complete a good workout. Have you heard of the expression “runner’s high”? So what exactly are endorphins and where do they come into play in the relationship to dogs? Endorphins are a group of hormones the body releases within the brain and nervous system that have a number of physiological functions. They are peptides that activate the body’s opiate receptors causing an analgesic effect. Endorphins are known to decrease pain and stress. Dr. Karen Allen from State University of New York- Buffalo Dept. of Oral Diagnostic Sciences (in 2002) stated that having pets reduces our stress level and if you interact with them even more so. In her study she measured heart rate and blood pressure. Her results indicated that pet owners have lower heart rates and blood pressure than non- pet owners. Pet therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) as it is often known was developed out of the premise that being with an animal can boost a person’s mental and/or physical health. During AAT a person interacts with an animal to relieve depression, reduce anxiety or just bring a sense of well being to one’s day. It doesn’t matter whether the animal is a dog, cat, rabbit or other type. It doesn’t matter if it is an animal brought to you through an organization or your own pet that lives with you. Spending time with a cherished pet will help bring tranquility or calmness to your day. I have personally taken advantage of Maggie’s love and snuggled with her when I have had a particularly bad day. She really has made me feel better! So give an extra hug to your favorite animal and thank them for helping us feel better and stay just a little bit healthier!

Monday, August 8, 2016

When a Visit is Good

A few weeks ago I posted about a session that didn’t go too well. This week I’d like to write about a session that went exceptionally well. This session took place at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills PA. This was our first visit at this school. We had an opportunity to meet with a group of special needs students. Our group consisted of two dogs and a rabbit and there were close to 50 students present. The school was well prepared and staffed with about 20 aides/teachers. After our initials introduction we split up into three smaller groups. We met in an auditorium and most of the kids sat on the floor so I chose to get on the floor with them. The purpose was twofold. I have more control of Maggie (if needed) and it brings me down to the same level as the kids. I didn’t want them to feel this was a classroom setting. There were a few kids in wheelchairs so naturally I got up when speaking with those kids. I really enjoyed this session as I felt the teachers/aides were constantly trying to engage and encourage each kid to participate in the program and ask questions as well. Some of the kids expressed fear and chose not to approach the animals so an aide stayed back with them. Again I felt this was a wise choice- so that child would feel secure and not left out. I told the group what a typical day is for Maggie, what she eats (only dog food as Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs so it is a good idea to keep them on the same food every day), what her favorite activity is (chasing squirrels), and what kind of exercise she requires (a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening). I then got to hear stories about their pets, their names, ages and what tricks they know. I find kids begin to open up the longer they sit with Maggie. Some of the kids choose to pet her and others prefer to just be near her. Maggie can sense what each individual needs and tolerates both. Her favorite places to be petted are on her belly and behind the ears. When I tell this to the kids they are able to focus on these places. It empowers them. The school was so grateful for us being there. What’s so wonderful about our visits is that even though they only encompass an hour it keeps everyone talking about the animals long after we are gone. The kids (and teachers) go back to their activities talking about our pets and they go home and tell their families about our pets. Everyone’s mood stays elevated long after we are gone!
When a Visit is Good A few weeks ago I posted about a session that didn’t go too well. This week I’d like to write about a session that went exceptionally well. This session took place at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills PA. This was our first visit at this school. We had an opportunity to meet with a group of special needs students. Our group consisted of two dogs and a rabbit and there were close to 50 students present. The school was well prepared and staffed with about 20 aides/teachers. After our initials introduction we split up into three smaller groups. We met in an auditorium and most of the kids sat on the floor so I chose to get on the floor with them. The purpose was twofold. I have more control of Maggie (if needed) and it brings me down to the same level as the kids. I didn’t want them to feel this was a classroom setting. There were a few kids in wheelchairs so naturally I got up when speaking with those kids. I really enjoyed this session as I felt the teachers/aides were constantly trying to engage and encourage each kid to participate in the program and ask questions as well. Some of the kids expressed fear and chose not to approach the animals so an aide stayed back with them. Again I felt this was a wise choice- so that child would feel secure and not left out. I told the group what a typical day is for Maggie, what she eats (only dog food as Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs so it is a good idea to keep them on the same food every day), what her favorite activity is (chasing squirrels), and what kind of exercise she requires (a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening). I then got to hear stories about their pets, their names, ages and what tricks they know. I find kids begin to open up the longer they sit with Maggie. Some of the kids choose to pet her and others prefer to just be near her. Maggie can sense what each individual needs and tolerates both. Her favorite places to be petted are on her belly and behind the ears. When I tell this to the kids they are able to focus on these places. It empowers them. The school was so grateful for us being there. What’s so wonderful about our visits is that even though they only encompass an hour it keeps everyone talking about the animals long after we are gone. The kids (and teachers) go back to their activities talking about our pets and they go home and tell their families about our pets. Everyone’s mood stays elevated long after we are gone!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Therapy Dog Vs Service Dog

I was approached today by an individual who asked me about Maggie’s breed. This is not an unusual occurrence as Maggie is known as the “pretty” dog. After I went through the explanation of a Goldendoodle he asked if she sheds and proceeded to tell me he was looking for a non-shedding dog because he is allergic to dogs. I told him although she is considered hypoallergenic there is really no dog that is 100% allergy free- the concept is really that if none of their fur or hair is flying into the air one less likely to react negatively to a dog. This gentleman proceeded to tell me he is really looking for a service dog for his PTSD and his diabetes. Oh, so this was a totally different conversation. As I was in the middle of a therapy session I felt pulled to continue the discussion but also was obligated to conclude my session. I recommended he check the internet for links to websites for more information that could direct him to the right resources that might help him. I judged his age to be mid to late 60’s so I wasn’t sure how computer literate he was. I then suggested he check with his local library because I figured the librarian might be able to help him with the computer. So what is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog? Wikipedia defines a service dog as a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, mental illnesses (such as post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD), seizure disorder, mobility impairment and diabetes. Since each disability is different, each dog is to some extent custom-trained for the individual it will help. Service dogs may wear special vests or badges to identify them. A therapy dog is defined as a dog that might be trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with autism. Therapy dogs need not wear special vests or badges to identify them In the U.S. therapy dogs are not service animals and are not afforded the same privileges as them. Whereby a service dog is allowed in food establishments a therapy dog is not. I remember after one visit at an elementary school, a mother was dropping off her daughter. She saw me walking out with Maggie. I noticed her hesitate as if she wanted to approach me. I smiled at her as I recognized her daughter as being one of the children that knew how to treat Maggie properly. I approached her and told her what a good job her daughter had done and how Maggie appreciated being handled properly. At that point she opened up and said she had wanted to come over but wasn’t sure if she was allowed to approach because she thought Maggie was a service dog. I explained that Maggie was a therapy dog and petting was allowed. We continued our conversation for a few minutes while she visited with Maggie. While therapy dogs differ from service dogs they both have a purpose and they are fulfilling a large need in the world.