Kindness Opportunity #12: Pet Therapy

Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure, lower cholestrol (according to the CDC), lower stress levels, and improve the survival rate of heart attack patients.  Further evidence has shown that petting an animal can cause endorphins to be released, which can suppress physical pain in the body, and the action of petting an animal can help to improve fine motor skills.  A patient's communication skills can improve when a patient requests an animal to sit, shake hands, jump up, etc.

A couple of the psychological benefits of pet therapy include social skill development and anxiety relief.  The inclusing of an animal in the life or therapy of a patient can make a big difference in the patient's comfort, progress, and recovery.

Random Act of Kindness #15: I have long thought that my 10 year old girl, Geisha, would make a wonderful therapy pet for nursing home residents.  Geisha has always gravitated toward the senior population.  In the couple of years that my elderly mother-in-law lived with us, Geisha seemed to prefer to spend hours and hours by her side.  And as a certified dog trainer, I was confident in Geisha's skill level and her ability to interact appropriately with elderly patients.  But, as it does with us all, life kept me pretty busy.  So, it wasn't until recently that I finally got around to contacting nursing homes to schedule some pet therapy visits.  

This week, I took Geisha and my mother with me to visit some residents at one of those local nursing homes.  We went from room to room asking each patient if they wanted to meet our puppy dog, Geisha.  

They were thrilled and many lined up in the hallway excited for the interaction. 

 We told each resident that Geisha wanted to say hello and give them her favorite bible verse (we had printed a few encouraging bible verses to hand out to everyone - http://www.meetpenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Scriptures-for-Encouragement.pdf).  We read the verses to those who asked, others read it alound to themselves. Some were so touched, they told us they planned to frame the bible verse we gave them.

Geisha sat for treats when asked by a patient.  She put her front paws on laps when invited to do so. She's such a polite greeter and social butterfly who eagerly fluttered from person to person to say hello!

It was a wonderful experience to see the eyes and faces light up for so many people who often have very few, if any, visitors.  Some of the residents literally cried tears of joy as we interacted with them.  We promised we'd bring Geisha back to visit them on St. Patty's Day.  

It only took about 90 minutes to visit with approximately 75 nursing home residents.  And it was obvious that those minutes meant very much to those we interacted with.  Why did I wait so long to do this!?!!

Are you interested in pet therapy?  Please do your homework.  
Here are some helpful resources:  
https://iaabc.org/working-animals/the-responsibilities-of-using-your-pet-for-therapy-work
http://www.therapydoginfo.net/
http://www.activphy.com/interested-pet-therapy/


Random Act of Kindness #16: 
March 17, 2016

Saint Patrick's Day provided another opportunity for Geisha to do a little pet therapy at Ave Maria's nursing home.  She brought a special St. Patrick's Day message to her friends. 

Geisha loves these visits so much. And the residents of the home light up when they see her walk in. 

mile emoticon

One resident is unable to see. When Geisha visits her, I have to guide her hand. Geisha puts her little paw right in the woman's hand as if to say, "Its OK. I'm right here." 

These visits can sometimes get a liittle emotional, but they are always very much worth while!