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Blog Entry 21 of 25 A Therapy Dog's Journal
I was curious about pet therapy when I first learned about it in the mid-90s. Pets can have an important role in the well-being of children, the elderly and hospitalized patients. In 2002, I was ready to look for the dog which would be compatible with me as a therapy dog. I wanted a smooth-haired dog; clean and easy to groom. I wanted it to be small enough to carry in my arms, hold on my lap, and travel in a little crate in the car. It must also be trainable, healthy and have a people-pleasing, forgiving temperament. I liked many of the characteristics of dachshunds. I owned one before, but she passed away in 1997, at age sixteen. This dog won an AKC obedience title. I narrowed my search for another dachshund. There were puppies available, but I didn’t want one from a pet store or puppy mill. In 2004, I heard about a litter in Utah. After several long distance calls and emails, I was excited about the runt. I drove to meet the breeder at a dog show in Greeley. Jewel and I were a good match. We visited for a while then I bought the puppy and brought her home. Jewel is a ten pound, smooth-coated, black and tan daughter of AKC champions. Jewel was sold to me as a pet, and has never been a show dog. But she’s a very healthy, happy and pretty little girl. Some day I might write her story as a book for young children, but am starting with this blog. It tells the adventures of Jewel: Therapy Dog.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~JewelWeekly

PART 1: How therapy dogs work

Contributed by: Gail Kirkegaard   on 8/14/2008

For the many people who are curious about just how a dog can help someone in a hospital or nursing home, I borrowed this information from Intermountain Therapy Animals.
Gail


The Use Of Animals In Rehabilitation Therapy

The following are some of the therapeutic benefits in using an animal to enhance treatment:

MOTIVATION:
  • Therapy is more fun & interesting with an animal
  • Patients forget pain, depression & limitations when interacting with animals
  • Frustration level is less when working with an animal.
RANGE OF MOTION:
  • Tossing Ball or Frisbee
  • Brushing, Petting, or other types of Grooming
  • Tug of War
  • Visual tracking & following animal's movement
  • Giving treats
  • Squeezing squeaky toys or balls
BALANCE:
  • Walking dog from wheelchair, walker or freestanding
  • Tossing & bending to pick up ball or toy
  • Getting & putting down water for animal
  • Reaching to pet from right or left side or across body
MEMORY LOSS:
  • Dog's name, breed, history
  • Handler's name
  • Dog's picture book activities
  • Commands to animal
SPEECH:
  • Giving obedience commands
  • Clicking lips and/or tongue to get dog's attention
  • Calling animal's name
SENSORY STIMULATION:
  • The feel of fur and warmth
  • Dog "kisses"
  • The feel of feet, nails, tails, ears, nose, etc.
  • Hearing the dog bark
PROBLEM SOLVING:
  • Choosing type of treat or toy
  • Deciding where to go during a walk & how to get there
  • Giving dog appropriate commands
  • Choosing type of activity to do with animal
  • Where to hide a treat for animal to find
ENDURANCE:
  • Throwing ball for long periods
  • Walking with animal
SELF ESTEEM:
  • Social interaction because of animal (always an attention-getter)
  • Animal's total acceptance of disability
  • Empowerment in giving commands & getting a response


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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Submitted By: Jewel Underfoot Kirkegaard
posted on 8/15/2008 @ 7:13:37 PM
(Not Rated)
Good to meet you Beau! I have a blog now, in Lakewood YourHub. It's called Jewel's Journal.
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Gail Kirkegaard
posted on 8/15/2008 @ 12:37:43 PM
(Not Rated)
Thanks, you two!
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Beauregard Jerome
posted on 8/15/2008 @ 11:18:21 AM
Rated Blog Entry
Dogs rule!
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Katherine Jerome
posted on 8/15/2008 @ 8:31:32 AM
Rated Blog Entry
A cure all disguised as a Dog! Perfect remedy Gail. I can't imagine life without my pets. Great blog!
[Report as objectionable]
Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Gail Kirkegaard

Lakewood , CO

Gail Kirkegaard has posted 25 blog entries and 246 comments since joining on 3/2/2006. Gail Kirkegaard 's average blog rating is 4.86.
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