The Chow Chow as a Therapy Dog

There has been a bond between man and his animals since pre-historic times, therefore it isn’t surprising that it has been scientifically proven that petting an animal has highly beneficial effects, e.g. – it can lower stress levels and blood pressure and boost the immune system. It can decrease the amount of medication needed for some conditions, and even extend life expectancy. Given these benefits, what is very surprising, is that when we become old and infirm, or are ill, we’re separated from our trusted friends.

That’s where Paws for People® comes into it’s own. We take our pets to visit Retirement Homes & Villages, Hospitals, Hospice, Homes for the Mentally and Physically Disabled, Special Needs Schools etc. etc. but it isn’t quite as simple as that. Before they’re allowed on visits they must meet certain criteria.

Left: "Winston" - black rough adult male

 

First they must not have undergone any type of attack training what-so-ever. This sounds rather obvious, but other organisations aren’t so choosy, with potentially disastrous consequences. How is a dog supposed to differentiate between a patient with ‘involuntary hand movements’ hitting a handler, and some-one who’s actually attacking the handler?

Next they have to pass a rigorous assessment, taking ± four hours, to make sure both handler and dog are suitable for the work. The first part of the Assessment is the Canine Good Citizens test.

If they pass the assessment they then must visit a Veterinarian and pass a health check, which is repeated annually, unless the dog is over 8 years, and then it’s repeated six monthly. Their vaccinations must be up-to-date, they’re de-wormed every three months, and flea treated monthly. Once these are all completed they can apply for Public Liability Insurance. (PFP is the only Therapy Dog Organisation in South Africa that carries P.L. Insurance)

Left: Qualified Therapy Chow Chows are a sterling example of the Chow Chow's ability to function in harmony with humans. "Winston" & "Keeta" & a hospice resident enjoying the mutual benefits of all the attention!

Just before a visit they then need to be bathed, groomed, have their teeth cleaned, nails filed and an anti-bacterial spray applied. Because of this stringent cleanliness routine we carry Health Department approval to visit Hospitals etc. The dogs are cleaner than many human visitors!!! Once the dogs commence visits they’re still on probation for the first six. After these have been completed successfully, they’re awarded a certificate and a smart PFP uniform, which they wear with pride. They all love what they do, we don’t take them if they don’t, and they get very excited as soon as they see their uniform come out of the cupboard. Paws for People® has been in South Africa since 1997 and was started by PFP President Lesley de Klerk, an animal behaviourist in Roodepoort. She based it on the Delta Programme in USA, and returns there regularly to up-date her training skills.

Winston, my black Chow Chow, was rescued from the Benoni SPCA in May 2002. At that time he was‘wild’ but with love and patience he gradually calmed down, and became the first Therapy Dog in Benoni. He went to Roodepoort to be assessed in March 2004 and passed with flying colours. Initially we worked in the Bedfordview & Edenvale areas.

An article, about him, appeared in the local paper in June 2002 and we received so many enquiries from interested people, that we were able to hold an assessment locally. In September 2004 the Benoni Unit came into operation and we started visits in our local area.

Our third Benoni assessment was held in February 2005, which Keeta passed and joined the team. She’s another black Chow Chow and was rescued from the Springs SPCA. She’s a very happy little girl, who’s tail is always wagging, but we’re careful where we let the two of them work closely together in case our clients think they’re seeing double!!!

At the latest assessment in January 2006 we achieved a 100% pass rate, which was a wonderful achievement, and we now have 26 dogs, of all shapes and sizes, in the team.We gain so much from the visits. It’s great to share our dogs with people who love them as much as we do, and to bring smiles to the faces of lonely old people who had to part with their own dogs when they entered Frail Care. One old lady had tears of joy in her eyes as she ran her fingers through Winstons fur. She said she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt fur in her fingers.

Right: "Winston" & "Keeta" visiting a graceful lady in Hospice...

The teachers in the Special Needs Schools have found that not only have the children learned not to be afraid of dogs, and how to interact with them, but they use them in many ways in lessons. Our latest venture is visiting the East Rand Oncology Unit. We only recently got permission to commence visits there, so we’re all very excited.  

Winston has become a celebrity in the Benoni area and is loved by all those he visits. He thrills the ladies by giving them a gentlemanly ‘Bow’! He’s told his younger ‘sister’ how good being a Therapy dog is, but she’s still a little too nervous to join him. She’s gaining in confidence all the time, so who knows what the future will bring!

Kindly contributed by Angie Thornton - 2006. Winston has since been retired as he has a serious heart condition.

For more information:
Visit the Paws for People® Website
Or contact:
Angie Thornton - Telephone/Facsimile 011 425 4075, email act(at)icon.co.za