Hi all, I've been trying to get information out of our local St John's ambulance office since I moved here (about a year ago)calling, dropping in or emailing every few months or so for information.
I met with them again at a trade show the other day and it appears the problem is that their co-ordinator isn't very ambitious, or has too many other things goin on in her life to be active in the program. When I told of my interest to go on visits, even without my dogs, just to get involved, the lady at the the trade show asked if I would be interested in learning how to take over (or help with) the co-ordinator's responsibilities, aranging for training classes and certification and such.
I am interested in doing this, as much for my personal development and to give me a sence of doing something worthwhile, as I am for the development of my dogs and the (hopefully) enjoyment of the patients and seniors that we will visit.
My question is,is this (the co-ordinating part) a reasonable leap to take, having no previous experience at all? I would hate to commit myself, only to find that I cannot handle the resposibilities. Is there somewhere that I can find information to learn more about pet therapy before I agree to become a part of the team. I want to do the right thing, and have a personal/spiritual reason for wanting to offer myself to others, but the fact that they have such trouble organising a training class kinda worries me a little.
Rose
I met with them again at a trade show the other day and it appears the problem is that their co-ordinator isn't very ambitious, or has too many other things goin on in her life to be active in the program. When I told of my interest to go on visits, even without my dogs, just to get involved, the lady at the the trade show asked if I would be interested in learning how to take over (or help with) the co-ordinator's responsibilities, aranging for training classes and certification and such.
I am interested in doing this, as much for my personal development and to give me a sence of doing something worthwhile, as I am for the development of my dogs and the (hopefully) enjoyment of the patients and seniors that we will visit.
My question is,is this (the co-ordinating part) a reasonable leap to take, having no previous experience at all? I would hate to commit myself, only to find that I cannot handle the resposibilities. Is there somewhere that I can find information to learn more about pet therapy before I agree to become a part of the team. I want to do the right thing, and have a personal/spiritual reason for wanting to offer myself to others, but the fact that they have such trouble organising a training class kinda worries me a little.
Rose