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by Darlene DuVall
June 2003
EXPLAINING PET THERAPY
Many people, when they hear the words " pet therapy ", think it means the animals are in therapy for themselves. Yet in fact, pet therapy is actually the animals providing therapy to the human.
There are many reasons why a client would be referred to the pet therapy department. In this particular therapy program, the clients suffer from various forms of mental, physical, and psychological handicaps. Recently, females receiving treatment for Bulimia and Anerexia Nervosa ( Eating Disorders ) have also been referred. Some of these clients are hospitalized, while others are discharged, but continue with the pet therapy program as a maintenance program, allowing staff to still observe the client. Some attend during the free visit sessions because of the bond theyve built with the staff and animals, and they are always welcomed. Because there is a variety of ages, phobias, religions, and cultures, this pet therapy program offers a variety of animals. Each animal has his or her own character and attitude, but all have undergone temperment and behaviour training before being allowed in the therapy program. And again, because of the variety of animals, each breed has its own individual testing. After all, it wouldnt be fair to expect a parrot to pass the same tests as a poodle ! At present, this pet therapy has 10 dogs, all different breeds, 3 cats, again all different breeds, 2 rabbits, 3 gerbils, 3 domestic dumbo rats, 2 cockatiels, 1 parrot, 1 vietnamese potbellied pig, 3 red necked turltes and 3 ferrets, along with a volunteer groomer, a volunteer to clean the cages and animal areas, and two hospital staff.
All the dogs have foster homes. This means each morning they arrive at 8 a.m. and leave when the day is finished. The ferrets, birds and potbellied pig stay from Monday to Friday, and go to their foster homes for the weekend. The cats, rabbits, gerbils, and turtles stay at pet therapy all the time, with a volunteer who feeds and waters during the weekends, holidays and departmental vacations.
These animals provide many services for our clients. Not only do they provide compassion, companionship and unconditional love, they also help to provide a more " home " atmosphere. You see, this particular pet therapy department is located in a pavillion ( building ) of a local psychiatric hospital in Montreal. When clients come in, they are immediately met by dogs with wagging tails, staff with smiles and friendly " welcomes ". In most cases, the clients forget why they are in hospital and are immediately distracted by the animals. Some clients like to bring snacks so they can feed the pig and rabbits. Others prefer to sit and brush the dogs and of course there are those who love to handle all the critters !
Not all days are good for us, the same as not all days are good for the animals. When it is too hot, limitations must be put on the outdoor activities, and, of course, the same applies during the winter.
Before each day starts, the staff check the housed critters, and each dog as it arrives. Its only fair that if an animal is tired or not well, that it be given rest or be seen by the vet if need be.
When an animal starts to show signs of burn out, ei: tiredness, lack of participation, staying in a corner or hiding in a basket, the suggestion of long weekends is made. This means instead of working Monday to Friday, the days could be Tuesday to Friday or Monday to Thursday. This would allow an extra day for relaxing. When it becomes apparent that it is time to retire the animal, such as a dog, the foster family is given first choice. Of course, the foster family has built such a bond they are always pleased to accept. In the case of any other pet therapy animal, be it a cat, rabbit, gerbil or bird, a permanent home is always found. A bulletin is placed on the door of pet therapy, giving all the details of the animal and a picture. Within days, the animal is in its new permanent home, not always with an employee. It has happened that a client, who has built a bond with a soon to be retired cat, was givien the opportunity to be the cats permanent home. Not only was the client happy but also the cat, both received what they needed.
Pet therapy also provides community services. Selected animals have been requested to visit community drop-in centers, retirement homes and day cares. The questions asked are always interesting to answer, but it is the look on the faces as they get to meet an animal theyve never seen before. On every occasion, not only did the animals enjoy meeting new faces, but the humans all wore smiles.
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