|
|
"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole"~Roger Caras
LADY There has been increasing awareness, particularly over the last thirty years, of how canine assisted activities and therapy might be utilized to improve the quality of life, as well as the treatment outcomes, for individuals. Historically, animal assisted activities has referred to the ‘meet and greet” programs in which animals visit patients in hospitals, or nursing homes, providing patients with an opportunity to pet and socialize with a friendly animal and handler. Animal assisted therapy is the deliberate and systematic use of animals in professional care plans, to help patients reach defined treatment goals. They are used to help normalize situations, socialize, calm and motivate patients. Dogs are particularly well suited to this work because of their long history of living and working with humans, and the ease with which we are able to train them. Some populations that have benefited from canine assisted activities and therapy include: nursing home patients, shelter residents, prison inmates, including juvenile delinquents, hospice clients and their families, special education students, including autistic children; and both acute care and rehab hospital patients. Several of our Newnan Kennel Club Members participate in Dog Therapy Programs. Here is what one of our members has to say: Brenda and Lady, her black tri Aussie read with the children at Peachtree City Elementary After School Program:
Lady has read 8 books with the children. She has her Canine Good Citizenship certificate and she is a certified therapy dog with Canine Outreach Inc. in Peachtree City, GA. Sometimes Lady visits an injured child in the school clinic. It helps the "hurt" to go away. She has also visited children in the classroom and assisted in their physical therapy exercises. Lady also has some friends who visit the After School Program to assist in reading with the children. Carolyn and her Pembroke Welch Corgi, J.J., Betty and her Pembroke Welch Corgi, Bridey, and Pat and her Brittany, Storm, have also been to school. Members of the club have been very supportive of the LadyBug Project and are always willing to go to school and read. The LadyBug Project has been a success at Peachtree City Elementary After School Program. Everyone in the school looks forward to Lady's visits. She has something for everyone! On the days that Lady does not go to school, the children stop by Brenda's office to ask where Lady is. She is a very special dog to Peachtree City Elementary and is a very, very special dog and friend to Brenda and Ted. Contact the Club if you would like more information on Dog Therapy Programs. webmaster@newnankennelclub.org
|
