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VOLUME 5-- ISSUE 1
LOCAL DOGS IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OWNERS AND FRIENDS
THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF CANINE COMPANIONS
By William F. Schley, Reno, NV
Any dog owner can tell you how much they enjoy their favorite pooch. And we have all seen what a fabulous lesson our dogs
teach us about making friends. Who can resist a wagging tail, a warm and furry muzzle, or the occasional wet canine kiss?
But did you know that proof exists of improved health resulting directly from relationships with dogs?Janet Forester is president
of Reno's dog-based therapy group, Paws for Love, and its associated reading program, Paws to Read. "We observe many
difficult situations improve when we visit a facility with our dogs," Forester said. Volunteers bring their dogs to retirement
homes, hospitals, and other institutions to provide contact with canine pals for shut-ins, mental patients, and even for kids
who need help with their reading."People need contact with living things, so petting one of the Paws' dogs provides both
lively fun and access to touch therapy. Forester also said that the handlers enjoy listening to the many stories of former
pets their elderly beneficiaries tell. The Paws to Read program visits at-risk school kids and the dogs help improve students'
ability to focus.The Paws dogs make impressive inroads for the mentally ill as well. "Since many of these dogs are rescues
or come from abused backgrounds, the patients and at-risk kids easily relate to them," Forester said. Other benefits
observed by Paws for Love volunteers are lowered blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and lowering of anxiety while petting
the lovable pups.
Bonnie Dixon is but one of dozens of northern Nevada residents who experience physical and emotional benefits from a trained
canine companion, also called assist dogs. After a back surgery went awry, she found her mobility severely limited. Without
the assistance of Munson, her 75-pound yellow Labrador, she can only stand upright for very limited periods. Dixon found herself
unable to perform her normal career duties as a registered nurse, but got information on training with an assist dog. After
an extensive training period of nearly half a year, she and Munson can now get to and from her part-time nursing job at St.
Mary's Hospital and her regular position as a disability rights advocate."I also occasionally use a mobility cart,"
Dixon said, and while I can walk short distances with a cane, I can't maintain my balance very well without my Munson. He
keeps me from certain injury. He's my anchor!" Munson loves his work, but is still a big puppy when it comes to play,
another form of exercise for him and Dixon. The team also enjoys the health benefits from hiking in the Sierras.
JSusan Asher is head of the Humane Society of Northern Nevada and is a frequent source of information for PetFolio. She
is currently working with Nevada State Prison officials to begin a program that will benefit both prisoners and dogs."We've
seen programs in Washington and Florida that aid rehabilitation of prisoners by partnering them with dogs who need training,"
Asher said, "and the results are very encouraging." A prisoner who meets criteria for the program receives a shelter
dog who needs training before he or she can be placed in a good home. The inmate teaches the dog basic obedience commands
and discipline. The dog is a part of the prisoner's life until trained and socialized, then the pet is returned to the Humane
Society for guaranteed placement."The prisoners in the existing programs seem to make notable progress from contact with
these dogs, "Asher added. The Nevada program is still in its formative stages but is expected to begin sometime in July
2002. Given these examples of improved physical and emotional health, perhaps more Nevadans should consider adopting dogs.
It is one of the best old-fashioned home remedies, and surely beats paying for additional health insurance!
If you are interested in learning more about these important pet therapy programs, you can contact:
Paws for Love,
Janet Forester
775-826-5199
Nevada State Prison Pet Program,
Susan Asher
775-331-5770
Delta Society Assist Dogs,
289 Perimeter Road East,
Renton, WA 98755
425-226-7357
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