Today I went on a visit to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. I shadowed Terri and her precious King Charles Cavalier, Katie. Terri is unique in that she has two therapy dogs- Abby and Katie- both are King Charles Cavaliers, but she alternates who goes on which visits. We arrived at 7:00 am because the children who are treated in the morning are slightly sedated so they can be still during their treatments. We visited with the children and adults in the lobby area and everyone responded so favorably to Katie. To me, the amazing thing about animal therapy is that it gets conversations going that might not start otherwise. If I sit in a waiting room at a doctor’s office or hospital, I might speak to the person right next to me, but usually I don’t. And I never make the rounds around the room to speak to each individual. However, having a pet makes this feel comfortable, and those people that need a little lift, often get it. All this is made possible by the unconditional love of animals.
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| Terri and Katie |
I am learning from these visits exactly what I had hoped that I would. Hand in Paw is improving the mood, anxiety levels, communication, engagement and socialization of the patients and their families on Petscription visits. Hearing these patients’ stories is sometimes heartbreaking, but the joy and happiness that the animals provide is inspiring and I’m really blessed to be a part of it. P.S. I am officially registered now with the Delta Society and Hand in Paw as a Therapy Visit Assistant and will continue to volunteer once this project is complete. :)
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