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Introducing Walter, Therapy Dog-in-Training
November 17, 2009
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- Walter
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I'm excited to report that an additional mode of therapy for our youth is being introduced at Covenant House. Our Mental Health Team is expanding. I'd like you to meet Walter, who will be helping out in session with Animal Assisted Therapy.
Walter
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. There are many advantages to having Animal Assisted Therapy available to our youth: AAT has been proven to greatly reduce anxiety for clients with psychotic and mood disorders and helps in opening the lines of communication. Having a therapy animal available has shown to improve attendance rates as many clients wary of counselling often have an easier time initially bonding with another ‘person' that cannot speak back and that provides unconditional love.
Though Walter will technically be considered a ‘therapy dog in training' until he is old enough for testing (1 year), he will be assisting in therapy, becoming socialized with our youth, and becoming accustomed to the sights, smells, and sounds of our buildings as of Monday, November 23rd as part of his ongoing training.
Do you have any experience with therapy dogs or know anyone who has?
Walter
Comments
Incredible
Submitted by A D Martin (not verified) on August 25, 2010 - 12:16.
This reminds of dolphins playing with terribly sick children. It's an awesome idea, and really interesting that you can get your dog trained to become a helper in social matters.
Walter is such a wonderful
Submitted by Hannah Serrano (not verified) on June 24, 2010 - 01:33.
Walter is such a wonderful model for many dog and dog owners. Our border collie Chloe has been a therapy dog for our elders but not yet certified but she's so smooth and behave so well with the elders. Hope your program could reach more dogs and dog owners to become therapy dogs too.
New for me
Submitted by Melina (not verified) on May 16, 2010 - 01:57.
Its a new news to me about dog therapy. I have heard very firs time in my life. I have a six years German Shepherd and I am still providing Puppy Training to it. When it gets sick I take it to the veterinary clinic for cure. The training has made dog disciplined and energetic. Well about therapy I have to think about it.
Hey!
Submitted by Thresa Lampke (not verified) on February 25, 2011 - 00:11.
I do not have any experienc with therapy dogs neither do I know about anyone who has such an experience. however the idea of having a therapy with animals involved in it really sounds great. I know of people for whom playing with their pets is a great stress buster.
A therapy dog is a terrific idea
Submitted by aebell (not verified) on November 27, 2009 - 12:44.
I know how important my cats are in my life -- and how my dad's cats helped him during my mother's illness (and subsequent death).
This story reminded me to talk to a friend of mine who is suffering from depression, about the possibility of getting a pet.
Walter
Submitted by Melissa (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 15:22.
I'm really excited about a therapy dog at Covenant House! Great idea. I think Walter is going to offer much love to people who need it. He's going to open lots of doors. Beatles make great therapy dogs, they're really intuitive.
from Walter's breeder
Submitted by Jan Jeske (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 15:16.
Walter's very special personality was evident from a very young age - when Jess contacted me, I knew immediately that THIS was the perfect home for the very special boy I had at home: of the three brothers, he was always the one who would rather sit in your lap and give kisses than sniff or even EAT (if you know beagles, you'll know this is highly unusual!
It is heartwarming to know that Walter will be able to offer his unconditional love and understanding to a far bigger 'family' than most beagles can boast of. We are proud of you, Walter!
You can visit Walter's famous dad, Becks (Champion Beagelee AsGood AsItGets),mom Phoebe (Champion Briarlane's Manahound Payback) and grandma Charlotte (Champion Briarlane Better Than IceCream) at my webpage:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briarlane/
Walter
Submitted by Bev Davies-Fraser (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 14:28.
I tried posting once, but it doesn't seem to appear. I just wanted to congratulate Jess on choosing a beagle for this therapy pet program. I am the former Therapy Dog Coordinator for the St. John Ambulance in Central Alberta. As well as having experience with therapy pets, I am also a beagle breeder. In fact, I own a 1/2 sister to Walter! Beagles make an excellent choice for theapy pets as they are very social and tend to love ALL instead of just one. This makes them exceptional. I think the idea of starting Walter out "in training" is an excellent opportunity for the youth to participate in his training and the "on the job" experience for Walter is great. I hope to get updates on Walter's progress.
Kind regards
I have seen AAT in hospital
Submitted by Fay (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 12:56.
I have seen AAT in hospital settings and group homes and it is very effective. There is a place that uses horses for behavioral work with teens and their positive out comes are high. Welcome to the family Walter you will be a good therapy animal and help others like Jesse does.
Excellent!
Submitted by Walter Bristol (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 12:19.
What a beautiful thing to have available fpr you hurting young people. Not such a bad name, either! Thank you Covenant House for moving forward, taking risks in an effort to meet all needs, and serving this population.
What an amazing idea... and
Submitted by dalyn (not verified) on November 19, 2009 - 12:17.
What an amazing idea... and what a beautiful puppy! *dalyn