Changing the world one paw at a time

  • By Angela Bases
  • November 19, 2011
  • 357
                        
Summary: Caring Therapy Canines is a nonprofit organization that provides pet therapy and animal assisted activities in the community. Their 75 members are active in schools, libraries, hospitals, Hospice and nursing homes. Operated out of Wooster, the group has members from many surround counties. In times of distress or declining health, dogs can provide comfort and companionship with their wagging tails and wet noses. When well trained, these four-legged creatures can have a hand—or a paw, in a person’s recovery. Armed with this information, Caring Therapy Canines of Wooster, offers pet therapy and animal assisted activities for hospitals, Hospice, nursing homes, public libraries and schools. They have 75 members in the nonprofit organization contributing their animals to the cause. “We’re just basically to make people happy, relieve stress. Mainly, in schools, we do two things: dog bite prevention and we do reading programs. The children read to the dogs,” explained Sharon Porter, member of Caring Therapy Canines and past board member of the group. Porter added that many children are nervous and uncomfortable about reading in front of other kids or adults. Not only is it soothing to pet the animals as they read, dogs possess a phenomenal quality, one that human’s often lack: they don’t judge. This alone makes them less intimidating for a youngster. “Any breed of dog can do it. They have to have the proper training and the proper personality,” Porter continued. To participate in the program, a dog must be tested and recognized with a nationally recognized therapy dog registry. To pass such a test, the pup must be able to accept a friendly stranger, accept children, be clean and well groomed, be able to handle wheelchairs, walkers and crutches, and walk through a crowd of people, among many other qualities. The dog must be at least one year old. For complete criteria, visit www.caringtherapycanines.com. “We mentor the new members and help them get started,” Porter added. “Basically, it’s a lot of people that love dogs that like to get together.” The service they provide is a unique one, especially given the sensitive nature of many of their visits. According to Porter, the dogs can be beneficial in a Hospice setting because they distract the family from the pain of their situation. In nursing homes, they may remind a resident of a pet that had to be left behind. Regardless of the venue, improving the community with the special qualities dogs offer is a step in the right direction. Members participate from Wayne, Ashland, Holmes, Medina, Richland, Stark and Summit counties. Recently, the group held their annual banquet to honor members. They picked a member of the year, a dog of the year and offered awards for 50 visits, 100 visits, 250 visits, 500 visits and 1,000 visits. Caring Therapy Canines has been in operation for about five years. “We have a carry in dinner and then we do a silent auction that raises money for our insurance and things like that,” Porter said. The group also holds a picnic once a year. They offer contests and games for the dogs. Caring Therapy Canines host a total of four meetings a year and then four board meetings each year. Those interested in participating may call at 330-262-3688. According to Porter, community members can stop by a meeting to get a feel for the group. She also explained that each dog is suited for a different population and setting. Hyper dogs may fit better with children, while older, more reserved dogs may be more appropriate for a hospital or nursing home. “They can see what it’s all about and get an idea if that’s something they’re interested in. We kind of share with each other the kind of facilities that want visits. It’s an information type thing too, as well as a social event," Porter noted.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load