Dogs deliver good therapy
From the Edmonton (Canada) Sun.
Dogs Deliver Good Therapy
By DANIEL MACISAAC, SUN MEDIA
Man's best friend can communicate just as well as - and perhaps better - than people.
Deb Proc tells the story of introducing her golden retriever to an older woman at Alberta Hospital Edmonton who not only has mental-health issues but is blind and deaf, too.
"The only way she communicates, which I didn't realize, is by drawing letters," Proc recalled. "So, when she started drawing on my dog's back the nurse who was watching said she'd written the word 'best,' b-e-s-t, because she thought Donovan was the best."
Proc was just one of a dozen dog owners sharing their stories yesterday and marking the 10th anniversary of Edmonton's Chimo Project, which uses animals to help treat mental conditions.
Gail Courtnage, a children's mental-health therapist at CASA House, described how her retriever Raz has broken down the barriers for an eight-year-old girl - through a range of fun activities that even includes making painted-hand (and paw-) prints.
"Her foster mom says she's much more assertive now."
Tricks don't hurt either. Elaine Foreman's Shetland sheepdog Shaemus sings along to Happy Birthday and Deanne Stolk's springer-spaniel cross Sam catches Frisbees.
Founder Dennis Anderson said the Chimo Project is appealing for more sustainable funding and more four-legged volunteers.
