Therapy dog program helps break the ice
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This article was published 22/07/2021 (683 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Christine Schroeder and Yara, her nine-year-old black Russian terrier, are participants in the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program. Schroeder can’t say enough good things about the mentorship and support she receives from the free program and loves that the volunteers are insured when they are on duty.
The nearly 200 certified therapy dogs in Manitoba that have earned their St. John Ambulance kerchiefs must be missing all the attention they used to get while regularly visiting facilities such as hospitals, hospices, seniors residences and schools.
Their handlers are also missing this unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity, which brought so much “pawsitivity” into people’s lives before being interrupted by COVID-19.
Some of the teams have begun going into the Health Sciences Centre to provide emotional support to the staff. In the first week alone, over 350 of the healthcare staff de-stressed a little by spending brief snatches of time with one or more of the dogs.
Schroeder used to take Yara into Wellington School once a week to spend time with kids deemed likely to benefit from 15 minutes of the unconditional companionship of a canine friend.
“Yara misses the kids” she says. “She seems a bit lost without them.”
It is the bond between the dog and its handler that builds rapport in the “Special Paws for Special Kids” program which is unique to Manitoba.
If kids are initially a bit scared of Yara, then Schroeder has them hide a dog toy in different places for Yara to fetch. The game becomes fun for both of them and the dog is always at a slight distance.
A shy 10-year old girl who rarely talked in school might start out using hand gestures to get Yara to spin in a full circle. If she progressed to using her voice, then Yara would promptly spin much faster in the requested direction. Having a large dog promptly obey your commands can be a heady and empowering experience for a kid suffering from shyness.
Seemingly simple games and tricks like these can actually bring about real change for some kids.
Therapy dogs come in all sizes, from tiny to huge. If you think your pooch would be a natural in this role, then it is very important to socialize them in all types of settings so they are consistently calm and well-mannered in everyday situations.
Once restrictions allow, St. John Ambulance will begin holding therapy dog orientation sessions again. For now, you can find more information on its website.
Anne Hawe is a community correspondent for the West End. She can be reached at annie_hawe@hotmail.com
Anne Hawe
West End community correspondent
Anne Hawe is a community correspondent for the West End. She can be reached at annie_hawe@hotmail.com