Pet therapists a hit with clients
By Sasha Brown / Tribune Staff Writer
Friday, January 16, 2004
WALTHAM -- There is something about Bailey.
It could be his blonde coat, or his penchant for being patted. Maybe it's just that the person who tosses the tennis ball gets his undying devotion. Whatever it is, Bailey, a large golden retriever, has a gentle nature that makes him the perfect pet therapist, his owner Dorsey Arnold says.
And for three months, Arnold and Bailey, who are part of a group called Caring Canines, have been coming to GWARC in Waltham and allowing a group of GWARC consumers the opportunity to spend some time with the 5-year-old dog.
Thus far, the experience has been a success said Dina Furman, director of Day Education at the Greater Waltham Association for Retarded Citizens.
"We had someone who had never even had any reaction -- she never spoke or even smiled," said Furman. "The first time Bailey walked into the room, she giggled."
The staff, who had worked with her for years, were shocked, said Furman. "We have a very hard time finding activities that people can engage in. We have been thrilled with this experience."
According to Arnold, 110 dogs work as therapists for Caring Canines, an all-volunteer organization. Prior to becoming pet therapists, the dogs are rigorously tested to make sure that their temperament, training and behavior fits with the kind of dog Caring Canines wants.
Since the organization sends pet-therapists to a variety of locations in and around Boston, including Children's Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, they want a gentle dog who will not shy away, but will not be overly aggressive either.
But the organization accepts any breed of dog from less-than-10-pound mini-dachsunds to Burmese Mountain dogs, who tip the scales at more than 100 pounds. Goldens lend themselves naturally to the program, said Arnold.
"They have such a nice temperament," she said. Arnold and Bailey just joined Caring Canines last June, though she had been involved with pet therapy for years. Since then, Arnold has become more and more active and recently became a member of the board.
"There is a magic, a chemistry that happens between people and animals," said Arnold. "It is the non-judgmental unconditional love that elicits a response."
GWARC consumer Olympia Marciello was particularly engaged with Bailey, tossing him the tennis ball again and again.
"I would do this all day," said Marciello as she smiled and patted Bailey's head.
"I love dogs," said Marciello, who has a particular affection for Bailey and kept snapping his picture as she left the room after the session.
"He is just so soft and cuddly. I just want to bring him home."
After Bailey's first visit, all the consumers were given cards with Bailey's picture on it, said Furman.
"One woman just kept petting the picture," she said. "People ask about Bailey all month. We just feel really lucky to have this once a month."
Sasha Brown can be reached at 781-398-8009 or sabrown@cnc.com.
