pet therapy

[Mizpah]

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

 

[tsunami]

Rose ...

I think it is excellent that you obviously have the heart and commitment to want to do something in this area. Have you talked to the folks there at PAWS? You have one of the regions leading Pet Therapy groups right there in Alberta and I'm sure they would love to provide any guidance and assistance you might require if you were to seriously take the position.

 

[Mizpah]

PAWS? do you have any contact info for them? I haven't yet heard of them.

Sorry, I just added "alberta" to my google search for Paws and it came up first! Thank you!

[ 03-07-2004, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: Rose ]

 

[NewfMom]

Hi Rose, I was just wondering how you were making out in your search for help to get the group up and running.

I'm involved with a therapy group here. This is what I've experienced:
- You have to submit a health certificate for your dog from your vet with your application to be a volunteer. You have to update this certificate yearly.

- You have to attend an orientation meeting without your dog to discuss what is done in a visit and what's expected of you.

- Then you have to bring your dog for an evaluation. They have people with walkers and wheel chairs there as well as a couple of other friendly dogs. You have to show that you can control your dog around this environment and that it doesn't get afraid of the equipment, other dogs or loud noises.

- Then you get to visit and each nursing home has one of the volunteers as the liason with the home. They keep a notebook for people to sign in and out and our local coordinator publishes a newsletter for the volunteers.

- The group I'm part of is sponsored by our county and provides liability insurance and accident insurance for your travel time to and from the facility.

I wish you the best in working on setting up a group. If you do decide to do it, I'd love to hear what you learn in case I eventually go through that myself.

Good luck!
Sharon