Post by Rhonda on Jan 27, 2006 6:10:54 GMT -5
THERAPY OF A DIFFERENT KIND
by Kathe Campbell
He sat quietly on a chair beside Ken's bed to shake hands, to be stroked, and to be of comfort. That's what it's all about between Jill and her Trapper, a Golden Lab. When Trapper takes a leisurely sudsy bath on Saturday morning and dons his red Delta Society vest, it's all business. Under Jill's tutelage, Trapper has worked hard to earn the title "Therapy Dog" as well as a place on calendars and in various magazines throughout the West. Jill spent hours persuading the hospital board that the therapy program was worthwhile and not disruptive to patient care or staff duties. They were simply unaware of the tremendous healing potential animals provide.
The hospital administrator finally decided that Jill and Trapper could go to the Transitional Care Unit. The staff and patients are so delighted that if even one weekly visit is missed, the powers-that-be hear multi-complaints. Jill Honer, an RN, saw Trapper's potential early and turned the dog into a gentle and loving therapist to soothe the souls of young and old. Trapper's silky coat is hugged and tenderly patted in care facilities throughout our county. When not doing what he does best, Trapper is a seasoned camper, hiker, and swimmer, always fit for whatever task he is asked to do. Pre-school and kindergarten children are taught important lessons on dog manners, strange dog confrontations, and how to treat pets in the home. Trapper merely sits quietly keeping an eagle eye on "the boss."
The children brush the dog's teeth, curry his coat and check out his ears and paws. Animals in the classroom are amazing. They bring renewed inspiration for learning by helping develop self-esteem, responsibility, self-discipline and communication skills. What a miraculous gift! At an assisted living residence, a dear old fellow in his frail 90s had no family nearby and saw Trapper's visits as a godsend. Their meetings prompted him to begin speaking passionately about his own dog and even asking the nurses to retrieve long forgotten pictures. It was a huge breakthrough for a gentleman who had rarely responded to anyone or anything in years.
Jill cried buckets when their new found friend died, but she and Trapper carry on, effortlessly and passionately pleasing all, even the non-dog lovers. Christmas is Jill's and Trappers favorite time of year as they visit the children's centers. Trapper wears his Santa hat and magically turns into each child's fondest wish. Jill's heart breaks as she watches kids playing and caressing the dog with a kind of devotion she sees nowhere else. Somehow the dog knows these children need a brand of affection that only a risk-free and loving canine can offer with no strings attached. The gesture simply prompts Jill to make sure each child receives a furry toy pup in their stocking on Christmas morning. Now the pair is about to embark on a journey known only to those dogs who assisted in 9/11, school shootings, and other national disasters. HOPE CRISIS RESPONSE will be the natural progression for them after years of animal-assisted therapy. This tough program offers emotional rescue, recovery, and on-going support to individuals and responders. Tough role playing will be used to practice skills.
Jill and Trapper will train in and out of wailing rescue vehicles, burning buildings and torrents of water. The invitation to train swept Jill up in a frenzy of excitement and eagerness to get started, for no two are more qualified. Recently, as winter has passed into spring and summer, Jill has noted significant changes in a particular child at a nearby children's rehabilitation center. He has always been the first to greet Trapper and the last to say goodbye after dozens of weekly visits. The child was scarred by physical and mental abuse and the ongoing visits with his favorite and only visitor have become his lifeline. He has struggled, but at long last the screaming, violence and hateful language has ceased. The boy was adopted into a fine home recently where his only request was to have dog of his own. The puppy's name is Trapper.
by Kathe Campbell
He sat quietly on a chair beside Ken's bed to shake hands, to be stroked, and to be of comfort. That's what it's all about between Jill and her Trapper, a Golden Lab. When Trapper takes a leisurely sudsy bath on Saturday morning and dons his red Delta Society vest, it's all business. Under Jill's tutelage, Trapper has worked hard to earn the title "Therapy Dog" as well as a place on calendars and in various magazines throughout the West. Jill spent hours persuading the hospital board that the therapy program was worthwhile and not disruptive to patient care or staff duties. They were simply unaware of the tremendous healing potential animals provide.
The hospital administrator finally decided that Jill and Trapper could go to the Transitional Care Unit. The staff and patients are so delighted that if even one weekly visit is missed, the powers-that-be hear multi-complaints. Jill Honer, an RN, saw Trapper's potential early and turned the dog into a gentle and loving therapist to soothe the souls of young and old. Trapper's silky coat is hugged and tenderly patted in care facilities throughout our county. When not doing what he does best, Trapper is a seasoned camper, hiker, and swimmer, always fit for whatever task he is asked to do. Pre-school and kindergarten children are taught important lessons on dog manners, strange dog confrontations, and how to treat pets in the home. Trapper merely sits quietly keeping an eagle eye on "the boss."
The children brush the dog's teeth, curry his coat and check out his ears and paws. Animals in the classroom are amazing. They bring renewed inspiration for learning by helping develop self-esteem, responsibility, self-discipline and communication skills. What a miraculous gift! At an assisted living residence, a dear old fellow in his frail 90s had no family nearby and saw Trapper's visits as a godsend. Their meetings prompted him to begin speaking passionately about his own dog and even asking the nurses to retrieve long forgotten pictures. It was a huge breakthrough for a gentleman who had rarely responded to anyone or anything in years.
Jill cried buckets when their new found friend died, but she and Trapper carry on, effortlessly and passionately pleasing all, even the non-dog lovers. Christmas is Jill's and Trappers favorite time of year as they visit the children's centers. Trapper wears his Santa hat and magically turns into each child's fondest wish. Jill's heart breaks as she watches kids playing and caressing the dog with a kind of devotion she sees nowhere else. Somehow the dog knows these children need a brand of affection that only a risk-free and loving canine can offer with no strings attached. The gesture simply prompts Jill to make sure each child receives a furry toy pup in their stocking on Christmas morning. Now the pair is about to embark on a journey known only to those dogs who assisted in 9/11, school shootings, and other national disasters. HOPE CRISIS RESPONSE will be the natural progression for them after years of animal-assisted therapy. This tough program offers emotional rescue, recovery, and on-going support to individuals and responders. Tough role playing will be used to practice skills.
Jill and Trapper will train in and out of wailing rescue vehicles, burning buildings and torrents of water. The invitation to train swept Jill up in a frenzy of excitement and eagerness to get started, for no two are more qualified. Recently, as winter has passed into spring and summer, Jill has noted significant changes in a particular child at a nearby children's rehabilitation center. He has always been the first to greet Trapper and the last to say goodbye after dozens of weekly visits. The child was scarred by physical and mental abuse and the ongoing visits with his favorite and only visitor have become his lifeline. He has struggled, but at long last the screaming, violence and hateful language has ceased. The boy was adopted into a fine home recently where his only request was to have dog of his own. The puppy's name is Trapper.