WHAT IS A THERAPY
DOG?
Pet visitations have been done for many years and it
has been acknowledged by the medical profession that the
petting and stroking of a dog has a calming effect and
can lower blood pressure and ease tension. We are
endeavouring to take this a step further and ask our
volunteers to commit themselves on a regular basis and
visit at least once a week (on the same day, at the same
time, with the same dog, to the same people). The
anticipation and regular contact gives the people being
visited continuance of the Therapy program, and it is
felt that this way is more beneficial. So far we have had
excellent results, but still consider that there is a
great deal to learn from the benefits derived from the
love and touch of a dog.WHAT KIND OF PLACES
DO THERAPY DOGS VISIT?
The dogs visit anyone, anywhere, who will benefit
physically and mentally from the regular-contact and the
love of a dog. At present, we visit local Hospitals,
Palliative Care Units, Day Care Centres, Senior
Residences, Rest Homes, Schools for Children with Special
Needs, regular School classes for pet awareness,
Psychiatric Hospitals, etc.
WHY DID ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BECOME INVOLVED
IN DOGS?
St. John Ambulance has served the communities of
Canada for over 100 years. Our mission is to enable
Canadians to improve their health, safety and quality of
life by providing training and community service. With
the progress of medical treatment, people are living
longer. As the percentage of Seniors gets larger, many
are destined to spend years in Seniors' Residences and
Nursing homes. It was a natural extension for St. John
Ambulance to look for a way to continue caring for the
people they had always cared for in the community.
HOW DOES MY DOG BECOME A ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
THERAPY DOG?
Any dog of sound temperament can become a Therapy
Dog. Every dog is given a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog
Test by a qualified evaluator for obedience and
temperament. Once the dog has been successfully tested,
the owner is required to join St. John Ambulance as an
auxiliary Therapy Dog Member. The co-ordinator sets up
visits with the local Hospital or Nursing home. The new
member (without their dog) accompanies the co-ordinator
or an assistant for two visits. This is to ensure that
he/she will be comfortable in this type of environment.
The dog is introduced and then both are accompanied on
the next eight visits. If all goes well, a regular
visitation schedule is set up.
HOW DOES A VOLUNTEER BENEFIT FROM BEING A
MEMBER OF ST. JOHN AMBULANCE THERAPY DOGS?
St. John Ambulance cares for its volunteers. Every
one has the back up of a wonderful network of officers
whom they can call at any time. A VOLUNTEER INSURANCE
POLICY IS IN FORCE TO COVER BOTH YOU AND YOUR DOG AT NO
EXTRA COST TO YOU. If you are already visiting as an
individual or small club, we invite you to come under our
umbrella and have your volunteer hours fully recognised.
You do not have to know First Aid/C.P.R, but these
courses are open to you should you wish to take advantage
of them.
WHAT COMMITMENT AM I EXPECTED TO GIVE?
At least one regular visit each week allowing time to
thoroughly clean and groom you dog before each visit. You
are also asked to obtain Certification from your
veterinarian that your dog has had all required shots and
is in good health.
QUESTIONS ?
Please feel free to call if you have any questions
pertaining to the Therapy Dog Program.
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THERAPY
DOG PRAYER
"Creator of all things,
Grant us the humility that
the works
We behold with our eyes
Through our Therapy dogs
We may accept in our hearts
As a revelation of your love
For all humanity. "
THERAPY DOG M0TTO
"Change tears into
smiles and
help the forgotten to
laugh"
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
166 WINDY OAKS DR.
MISSISSAUGA., ON
L5G 1Z3
TEL: 274-0880
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