Dobermanns as Therapy Dogs.....

There is now considerable evidence to show that animals have a positive effect on our general health and well-being. They are known to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and sick children.

A Therapy Dog is one assessed as suitable to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and aged care facilities. The therapy dog has an uncanny ability to connect with vulnerable people.

The ideal Therapy Dog must be friendly, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. They must enjoy human contact and be able to cope with rough handling at times.

There are numerous agencies in Victoria providing these services. For example the Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne runs the PALS (Pets as Loving Support) Program. The handler must first undergo an interview and police check with the agency.

The dog and handler are then put through a thorough assessment at a local shopping centre involving vehicles and pedestrians, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs, loud noises, adults and children patting the dog, meeting other dogs, and negotiating various surfaces such as metal stairs.

The dog is then taken to a local nursing home to meet the residents. They will be introduced to food trolleys, wheelchairs, walking frames, medical equipment and again, some rough handling by the residents. Once approved, the handler is expected to volunteer on a monthly/fortnightly basis at local nursing homes or hospitals.

It is a very rewarding activity for the handler, watching the emotional reactions from residents when meeting the dogs. Even those who are not used to dogs will eventually succumb and enjoy the contact. There are no certificates and no titles awarded to the Therapy Dog and there should be no rewards except for the simple joy of providing love and affection.