After our visit to the pediatric clinic, Chief and I made our way to the nursing home (my other job). By this time, he had overcome any uncertainty and seemed just eager to explore the possibilities. As we walked in the door, I could hear the "ooos" and "ahhs" starting...."look at that pretty dog!" or "Tammy...what is that with you??" Chief just trotted along beside me, seemingly aware that he was the center of attention (and I know he was enjoying it!).
Throughout the course of the afternoon, different residents took their turn engaging Chief in his favorite game--toss/catch the ball. This activity was perfect for my treatment session, as most of my residents were working on increasing their upper extremity range of motion or strengthening their arms. People who typically avoid activity because it is discomforting to their shoulders were throwing the ball across the room for Chief to jump and catch. Excitedly (and in his own doggy way asking for more) Chief would chomp the ball as he returned it to me and the resident. After a few re-directions, Chief learned that I wanted him to return the ball to the resident, encouraging them to lean forward (working on postural control and balance) and reach for the ball (working on strength and range of motion). A couple of times, we were able to get Chief to do his "I Love You" for the ball...which erupted the room into laughs and coos of love.
The company of Chief was extremely important to one gentleman, who received news on Thursday that his dog had been taken to the shelter while was recuperating at the nursing home. The last few days since that news had been very traumatic for this man, as his dog was his only companion. A friend had been caring for the dog in his absence and when she arrived to feed him, discovered the gate to his backyard open and the dog missing. A neighbor made her way over to tell this caregiver that, just that morning, Animal Control had picked up the dog. After several phone calls, our resident was able to track down the shelter where his dog was taken and convinced them to hold the dog until he could make arrangements to have a friend pick it up. The reason I say that Chief's presence was important for this gentleman was observed in Chief's careful position next to this man. Despite his position in the corner of the room, Chief made sure that he laid on the floor within reach, so that as he felt like it, the man could reach down and give Chief a little pat. Even though it was not his own dog, this man later told me that Chief had filled that emptiness for the short time that he was there.
That is what Animal Assisted Therapy is all about....!
Tammy
