WHY Handicapped Support
Dogs Are Needed
WHY Handicapped Support
Dogs Are Needed
I would like to preface this article by telling you why I propose a program such as this. During my Therapy Dog training experiences with my 2 Danes, I have been confronted with situations where I was treated as if I were handicapped. I will recount one such experience for you in an effort to help you understand why this program is needed.
One of the places I visit with my Danes is a local supermarket chain. The store is kind enough to allow me use of its motorized shopping carts. I use these occasionally to help acclimate my dogs to walking near, and around noisy wheel chairs. The regular shopping carts add to the din. Once used to these sounds and experiences, my dogs do not get excited when there is loud activity and motorized equipment in hospital or nursing home environments.
As I was riding the cart one day with Apollo in tow, we were greeted effusively as usual. I did my rounds through the store, taking 1/2 hour for what should have been a quick trip for bread, milk and sugar. Apollo is a big hit there, as everyone wants to give him a pat or makes a comment on his size, what he weighs, etc.
After I checked out, my husband, who was waiting near the cashier, took Apollo back to the car. I realized before leaving the store that I had forgotten an item, so I turned the cart around and drove it up the aisle to grab some eggs (the drop off for the cart was outside, so I stayed on it till I was done). As I travelled the aisle unaccompanied by Apollo, all of a sudden I became aware that NO ONE would meet my gaze. I continued on, thinking that I was imagining things, but the lack of eye contact continued. By the time I'd reached the check-out, I counted 19 people who avoided eye contact, among them the cashier and a stock boy. The cashier not only would not look at me, but averted her eyes from my lap (I was carrying my jacket there).
By the time I left the store and parked the cart I was in tears. I'm not handicapped and was appalled by the thought that a physically challenged person would have to tolerate this, along with their handicap. I asked myself if I could ever get used to being treated in that manner. I can honestly tell you that I could not.
From further conversation with people with handicaps, I have learned that people with physical disabilities are treated that way frequently. Not only do they have to contend with their physical disability, but also the social ostracism that seems to accompany it. If having Apollo by my side made me almost impervious to this treatment while on the cart, would this not help someone who was indeed handicapped?
A majority of handicapped people are
not handicapped enough to qualify for an assistance dog. Or maybe
they don't meet the financial requirements to be able to afford an
assistance dog. A program such as this might help bridge the gap for
them.
Lyn Richards, 1995
Positive Therapeutic
Results
Non Critical Companion,
Acceptance Of Appearance Differences
Inclusionary
Factor/Equalizer--
(people are more willing to talk to a
physically challenged person who has a dog)
Fun Factor/Playmate,
Abatement of Loneliness, Faithful Friend
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in
Specific Settings
Gero-Psychiatrics:
Memory Stimulation, Emotional
Expression, Antidepressant, Physical Stimulation, Non-judgmental
Acceptance
Head Trauma:
Dexterity Control, Memory
Stimulation, Coordination, Self Esteem,
Emotional Support, Acceptance
Mentally / Physically
Challenged:
Outreach Mechanism, Acceptance,
Mood Elevator, Loneliness Relief Confidence
Booster, Responsibility
Anti Depressant,
Inclusionary Factor
PROPOSED PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Each person or group of people would be matched very carefully with an animal from a rescue situation, shelter or other source. The care and training of this animal would be the responsibility of the assigned person or group. The resident or advisor to these people would oversee the care and training in the home situation, after the initial tutorial by an instructor. Students would attend weekly, daily or bi weekly training classes. The classes would teach care and maintenance of an assigned animal, training and schooling of the animal, and private instruction if needed to accommodate individual handicaps.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this program would be to aid persons in private homes, group homes and group living situations in gaining independence through the use of Animal Assisted Therapy also known as Animal Facilitated Therapy. (Both to be described from here forward as AAT or AFT.) The ultimate goal would be putting those capable of self care into single living situations. The methodology involves teaching the subject person responsibility through the care and training of an animal. Preferably the animal would be a dog, but in some cases a cat would be more appropriate. The self confidence derived from contact with this animal will be an invaluable tool for the individual involved. The animal will provide companionship and comfort, as well as stability in new living situations. This animal will provide unconditional love and also promote inclusion, because people in society are more likely to reach out and contact a person who is accompanied by an animal.
PREMISE:
Animals are equalizers and their use and success in rehabilitation draws upon this fact. The public in general reacts with more ease to a person with a handicap (or any other person) who is accompanied by an animal. This allows the challenged person easier access to the world, and gives him a greater feeling of belonging, thus imparting a sense of well being and fitting in.
METHODS:
The care and training of an animal
would be specifically tailored to each persons needs. A
severely handicapped person would not be excluded from the program,
but would obviously not be able to care for an animal without
assistance. At the other end of the spectrum, a person who is
moderately handicapped, would be urged to gain independence and self
confidence using the animal as a stepping stone to independent
living. The following break-down wil give examples of only a
few of the possible applications.
Advanced Groups / Physical and Mental Incapacities
Groups of students would learn in a school setting. This would involve the use of The Center for Dog Management where I presently teach, or some other facility close to a group home or school which could be set up for the training of dogs. An agenda of classes would be drawn up tailored to the needs of the group, and students would attend as scheduled. Individual instruction could be introduced as necessary. Animals would be assigned as each case dictates.
Head Injuries
Integration into society of head injured people who have the use of limbs could be facilitated with the responsibility of an animal. Responses to an animal by head injured persons has been greater than average in therapy settings. The urge to push themselves to the limit and reach further will be accelerated if they are given an exterior (other than for themselves) reason to try.
Severely Handicapped
People with limited use of limbs, amputees and/or severe mental handicaps could be involved in the care of one catdog/ as a group, and/or individually, learning to groom and handle it. Many group homes are able to keep a cat and with minimal effort and oversight could benefit from the residence of one of these regal creatures. Clinical studies have proven that mere contact with an animal can reduce stress, increase mobility, lower blood pressure and ease pain.
Individual Training
The advancement of individuals whose goals are independence, could be greatly increased by the owning and training of an animal. Expression of emotions and relief from loneliness, as well as accelerated physical response are all by-products of dealing with an animal on a one on one basis. Self pity and seclusion are inhibited when there is an animal to consider. Newly physically handicapped individuals could be greatly benefitted from the interaction with, and training of an assistance animal.
CONCLUSION:
While we must bear in mind that we are dealing with animals, and as such they will prove to be unpredictable at times, it is just as important that we remember the great value an animal can have in the rehabilitation process.
Another thing that is important to remember when dealing with animals in therapy situations is that nothing is written in stone, each situation requires a different approach. Different size animals, breed, sex and other particulars are not of primary importance. What is significant is the matching of an animal and his person(s). A very active animal might suit one situation well, whereas a docile small animal may be vital to the needs of another.
In closing I would like to comment about our impact on the field of Animal Therapy in general. If we are extremely careful and prudent in our dealings with animals and their people, this program will serve as a pilot program for further advancement of new projects promoting the use of animals to benefit man. Pet therapy programs are in effect throughout the US, and the quality of work and results we produce will reflect on other programs and their ultimate success.
AFTER WORD:
Veterinarians and others in the animal care fields will many times volunteer or offer their services at a significant discount to projects such as this. Animal care products and food manufacturers are also willing to help projects such as these, by donating their products for a sponsorship, or discounting products. Many of these options can be explored should this project become feasible.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
COMPASSION: OUR LAST GREAT HOPE Bustad,
1990
Lectures from Leo Bustad, one of the
pioneers of animal-human connection research. Teaches the way
to improvement of the human environment through animal
interactions.
DELTA SOCIETY PET PARTNERS TRAINING
MANUAL Delta Society, 1991 $49.95
A training manual for volunteers
training and choosing animals for pet therapy. Animal
Assisted Therapy must read for evaluators and trainers with articles,
studies and other resources.
FOUR FOOTED THERAPIST Rucket,
1987
Discussion of animal use in problem
solving. Practical guide for social workers, teachers, lay
persons and those in the field of animal care on the use of animals
in therapeutic settings.
LOVING BOND-COMPANION ANIMALS IN
HELPING PROFESSIONS Arkow, 1987
A multi-animal application study
covering cats, dogs, horses and other animals in therapy.
PETS AND MENTAL HEALTH Cusack, 1988
$19.95
A classic discussion of studies and
other associated issues involving pets and mental heath
treatments.
THERAPY DOGS Davis, 1992
$24.95
Manual for training therapy dogs and
preparing people and dogs for work in therapy situations.
copyright 1995, Lyn
Richards
904-287-8824
FAX: 904-287-6176
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