Puppy was a therapy dog. He was a golden retriever who belonged to Dr. Aubrey Fine, a psychologist and Cal State Polytechnic University professor. Puppy was an important element in Dr. Fine's Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).
As guest speaker at Denver Pet Partners' monthly meeting last Saturday afternoon, Dr. Fine told us about the animals he worked with: a cockatoo, fish, rabbits, a bearded dragon, anoles, geckos, and several compassionate canines. He told us how the unconditional acceptance of the animals help his patients open up to speak, and learn to trust and love. They create a sense of hope, joy and purpose that his patients may never have known, or lost somewhere during the crushing circumstances of their life.
Called by many in the field a trail-blazer in AAT, he told us several heartwarming stories about his dogs in therapy sessions, beginning with his first one, Puppy. Other dogs were P.J., Hart, Shrimp and Magic. Dr. Fine sometimes coordinates written correspondence between a child and a dog. The dogs have their own stationery, which Dr. Fine personalizes for each child. Of course, the children also have sessions with Dr. Fine and the dog. He and the patient often leave the building to walk the dog together in the neighborhood.
Here's an excerpt from a success story which involved Hart, a belated therapy dog:
"On Sarah's first office visit after her release from the hospital, she is more at ease but still reserved. As we sit and talk, Hart sits close to her chair. At one point in our session, Sarah's reserve finally crumbles. Pushing up her sleeve, she shows me her scars. As she lowers her arm, Sarah notices that Hart's eyes are fixed on that arm. At that moment, Hart lifts her gaze from the arm and connects with Sarah's eyes. Hart then looks over at me. With an expression on her face trhat I can only call puzzled, Hart looks back at Sarah, and then Hart lowers her head and begins to lick the scars. Sarah is startled for a moment but then sits quietly as Hart continues to lick the wounds. Finally, she bends over Hart and holds her close."
He also told us about a boy with Aspergers Syndrome, a kind of autism. Dr. Fine worked for a long time to bring the boy to a point where he could understand his problem. Using a cockatoo, Dr. Fine helped the boy control his temper outbursts and begin to display affection for others, including the bird. Dr. Fine started allowing the boy to care for the bird on weekends, and eventually gave the cockatoo to the youth on one of his birthdays.
You can find more information about Dr. Fine, Puppy, therapy animals and AAT at
www.afternoonswithpuppy.com. You can read comments such as...
"This is a lovely read and another example of the many roles dogs take on in life. It will also remind us to tune into the quiet communications with our own pets."
Betty White, Actress/Author
and
"Dr
. Fine uses the human-animal bond to bring the patient into the fullness of a purpose-filled life." -
Dean Koontz, NY Times Best Selling Author.
Here's a link to a six minute YouTube interview with Dr. Fine:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1TwOYb7JSII&feature=related
When his presentation was over, Jewel and I got in line with about forty Pet Partners to meet him and buy an autographed copy of his book. It's inspirational and touching.
In his book, he reminds therapy dog teams,
"...life isn't always composed of 'aha' moments. Rather, most of our life experiences are the culmination of seemingly ordinary events that lead to terrific and powerful outcomes. These everyday actions are what we need to acknowledge and appreciate. ...The relationships between animals and people shouldn't always be viewed for only the extraordinary outcomes, but rather the impact of an evolving relationship."
That's what it's about; relationships which can build into bonds and turn into an occasional miracle. Miracles leave memories of success and fulfillment from reaching out to another human, and make it all more than worthwhile.