Photo: Simran Zilaro Comes Pet-Assisted Therapy Delivers Animal Companionship
c o v e r s t o r y Two times each day. Seven days a week. Rain or shine. This is how often v<strong>ol</strong>unteers with the <strong>San</strong> <strong>Diego</strong> <strong>Humane</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>SPCA</strong>’s Pet-Assisted Therapy (P-AT) program take pets out into the community to visit people in need of some tender <strong>and</strong> loving care from animals. The program, which began more than 30 years ago, visits children, adults <strong>and</strong> seniors living in hospitals, care facilities, rehabilitation centers <strong>and</strong> classrooms all across <strong>San</strong> <strong>Diego</strong> County. In one year, this amazing program <strong>and</strong> its v<strong>ol</strong>unteers will bring the joy of animal companionship to over 550 facilities <strong>and</strong> more than 10,000 people! Studies have shown that animals have positive physical <strong>and</strong> emotional effects on people, especially in the type of care settings the P-AT program frequents. In fact, animal visitation in nursing homes has been found to lower patients’ blood pressure, lift the spirits of the residents, as well as increase the sociability of Alzheimer’s patients. Similarly, studies have found that children’s levels of distress during physical examinations were lower when a companion animal was present in the room. Amazingly, the animals <strong>and</strong> the memories they foster can bring many individuals out of depression <strong>and</strong> help them reconnect with others. “For the people we visit, having an animal there makes them focus on the present moment <strong>and</strong> often brings back memories filled with positive emotions,” said P-AT program v<strong>ol</strong>unteer Karen help you connect with those who have lost their ability to speak.” Many of the facilities that participate in the P-AT program have patients that are disabled or sick <strong>and</strong> require care. For these individuals, visiting with a P-AT pet gives them a sense of empowerment when they are able to cuddle <strong>and</strong> provide love to animals that so thoroughly enjoy their attention. “When the animals come to visit, the residents are so happy,” said Jessica Halbert, Activities Director for the Kearny Mesa Convalescent Hospital <strong>and</strong> Nursing Home. “All of our residents are former parents <strong>and</strong> it’s hard for them because their children now have to nurture them, so it makes them feel good to be able to nurture <strong>and</strong> comfort the animals.” Pet-Assisted Therapy program coordinator Judith Eisenberg selects social rabbits, guinea pigs <strong>and</strong> rats from the <strong>Humane</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s po<strong>ol</strong> of adoptable animals to participate in the program. The rats <strong>and</strong> guinea pigs participate in the program for one year <strong>and</strong> rabbits for six months before they are “retired” <strong>and</strong> made available for adoption. The program also makes use of certified therapy dogs <strong>and</strong> cute <strong>and</strong> cuddly adoptable puppies <strong>and</strong> kittens for one-time visits. These visits help in socializing the puppies <strong>and</strong> kittens while providing an abundance of smiles to the participants. “I once went to a day facility for non- English speaking Russian seniors <strong>and</strong> Kees. “In addition, the animals can also brought a C<strong>ol</strong>lie puppy. That little puppy in All Sizes Left: A resident of a local convalescent home interacts with Charlie the rabbit during a Pet-Assisted Therapy visit. Photo: Simran Zilaro was the light of their day!” said P-AT v<strong>ol</strong>unteer Karen Kees, who has been v<strong>ol</strong>unteering with the P-AT program for two years. “We couldn’t communicate with each other, but it was easy to underst<strong>and</strong> the expressions of happiness.” Kittens <strong>and</strong> puppies often come on Pet-Assisted Therapy visits to receive socialization with facility residents who also benefit from the interaction. V<strong>ol</strong>unteers are an integral part of the P-AT program, transporting the animals to over 51 different locations each month. Once they arrive at their destination, the v<strong>ol</strong>unteers bring out the animals to interact with the facilities’ residents. Guinea pigs <strong>and</strong> rabbits sit inside baskets to make them easier to pet <strong>and</strong> the inquisitive rats can be found anywhere from a v<strong>ol</strong>unteer’s apron pocket to a resident’s shoulder. The kittens <strong>and</strong> puppies wear harnesses <strong>and</strong> leashes <strong>and</strong> sit in the laps of the <strong>ol</strong>der residents or play with the children on the floor. Certified therapy dogs can often be seen cuddling with residents or performing tricks during the hour-long visits. (continued on page 6) AnimalFare • Fall <strong>2006</strong> www.sdhumane.org
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