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In 1988, Holly Parker, a recreation specialist at the Clinical Center,
began investigating the idea of using dogs as therapy. The idea actually
came from a patient who raised dogs and understood the calming effect
it could have on ailing people. "He felt the companionship of his own
dog was beneficial and thought that other patients might derive the same
sort of comfort and companionship from animals, even if they weren't their
own," Parker said. But there were procedures and concerns that had to
be carefully thought out. Where could they find the animals? How could
the dogs be certified to be friendly and clean? Who would they visit and
how often? It was determined that both dogs and owners would be recruited
as volunteers. At regular intervals owners would bring the dogs to the
Clinical Center. There they would interact with children, the elderly,
cancer, HIV, epilepsy and other neurological patients. Upon arrival, the
dogs would be spot checked by the Clinical Center veterinarian. Each also
would have to be bathed and clipped before their daily assignments, and
the dogs had to be socially outgoing. Burton Goldstein has been bringing
MG (Micah Goldstein), his shih-tzu (lion dog) for more than three years.
With pig tails, MG often is mistaken as a female, Burton grumbles, but
repeatedly explains to patients and visitors that there's no way he can
keep the hair Caring Canines: improving morale among patients and their
familiesout of the dog's face but to create two petite ponytails and tie
them with ribbons. "I had a friend in the Caring Canines program, and
about four years ago I got MG. I waited until he was old enough and we
entered the program." Burton adds that MG enjoys making rounds and even
does support work at other hospitals. Many patients are dog lovers, but
even cat lovers seem to love dogs and the attention they provide. Burton
said MG is versatile. "He knows how to play with the kids and cuddle with
the elderly. And he can handle anything in between." To one young outpatient,
Brooks, it makes coming to the hospital fun. "I love petting the dogs
and just being around them," he said. "It makes me feel good that I'm
making the dog feel good." Currently there are 12 dogs in the program.
Owners and their dogs visit the Clinical Center four times a month. "Each
visit with patients is facilitated by a recreation therapist," said Parker.
"We feel that the animal-assisted therapy program is an effective part
of an overall treatment and we have had a highly favorable response rate
from the patients." -by John Iler
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