Volunteers
Therapy Wrapped in Fur Is Making a Difference
"The sight of the animals and the touch of their fur often brings peace and joy to those patients whose life once included animals.” She said physical contact has a calming effect and that dogs have the ability to bring back pleasant memories of a person's life and that the dogs may cause patients to feel needed and wanted at a very difficult time. Therapy animals can also be incorporated into grief support therapy, especially for children in hospice care or their siblings. Interacting with a therapy dog can enable a young person to express feelings of grief by providing a sense of control, as well as providing memorable play time. Therapy animals can also be a source of comfort for family members following the death of a patient and can be a tool in bereavement counseling.
The Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd patient was declining. He had not opened his eyes in several days as he rested in his nursing home room. He loved animals, and his daughter thought it would be good for her father if he could pet a dog before he passed. Thanks to the Compassionate Paws pet therapy program that started at Heyman HospiceCare this year, granting her wish was possible. Bonnie Jones, Volunteer Coordinator for Heyman HospiceCare, called volunteer Lynn Todino, who brought her trained Australian Shepherd mix, Snoopy, to visit the patient.. “He was very sedated,” Lynn recalls. “He wasn’t talking or moving much of anything, but when we told him there was a dog there, he opened his eyes. That was the only time he had opened his eyes in three days.” Patient Responds to Snoopy Lynn brought Snoopy close. Snoopy surveyed the patient with his deep, wise eyes and dutifully offered his fur to a weakened, unfamiliar hand. The patient’s response was immediate and moving for his family. Snoopy provided the compliant, untethered love that dogs are so quick to give. This was therapy for the patient, but also his daughter, Lynn realized. “She hugged him and really appreciated him, and she was really comforted,” Lynn said. “It gave her something else to think about, as she was mostly concerned about her father being comfortable. I have had that experience a couple of times.” Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, uses the natural bond between humans and animals to provide comfort, peace and soothing companionship, Bonnie said. Their presence lowers blood pressure, improves heart health, calms patients and diminishes the perception of pain. They can also help lift spirits, lessen depression, decrease feelings of isolation, encourage communication, provide comfort and decrease anxiety, she said. Compassionate Paws Program Assists The animals who serve Heyman HospiceCare are the same animals that visit patients at Floyd Medical Center. Their handlers are volunteers who come to Floyd through the Compassionate Paws program. "Our goal is to enrich the quality of life for hospice patients and their families as well," said Bonnie.
Snoopy, large and gentle, seems to sense the importance of his role.
A Veteran Responds Lynn recalls a veteran who had shown signs of depression and withdrawal until she arrived with Snoopy, who she describes as a big guy who loves people. His encounter with Snoopy brought a rare smile and conversation as the patient asked Lynn Snoopy’s name.
“He hadn’t shown any signs of communication or joy until he met Snoopy,” Lynn said.
Snoopy’s work is not limited to nursing homes and hospitals. Lynn says he’s a popular addition when she reads to elementary school children and a welcome sight on college campuses when she brings Snoopy to help students de-stress during exams. Lynn also brings Snoopy to speak to classes about the merits of pet therapy.
“It is,” she said, “very rewarding.”
For more information about the Heyman HospiceCare pet therapy program or volunteer opportunities, contact Bonnie Jones at 706.509.3217 or by email at bjones@floyd.org.
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