PETS AS THERAPY

Several years ago Velma Harris became ill with a vague and strange illness called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

CFS symptoms include muscular spasm and pain, flu-like symptoms, impairment of the immune system, thoughts, speech, memory, bodily movement and energy. Velma went to bed and got up two and a half years later! It took a further four years or more to build up her strength, stamina and fitness.

For many years Velma was unable to participate in any social or working activity. She felt imprisoned in her own body. She felt useless and her self-confidence and self-esteem was at an all time low because of this.

During this time Honey, her little miniature poodle, was her constant, loyal and loving companion. Honey offered unconditional affection that prevented loneliness and kept Velma’s spirits up.

When talking and communicating with people was difficult and frustrating, Velma could easily communicate, non-verbally, with Honey. She felt that Honey 'just understood' her thoughts and feelings.

Velma promised Honey that when she was better, she would take Honey for the most wonderful walks to make up for all the ones she had missed.

As Velma slowly recovered she realised just how important and significant Honey was, in her constant companionship and in the aid of Velma’s recovery. As a lifelong animal lover, Velma decided that when she was well again, she would choose a career working exclusively with animals and promoting the animal/human bond.

When that time came, Velma joined an organization that trained volunteers and their pets to visit health care facilities. Within a very short time Velma became aware of how 'visiting pets' could lift the spirits of people and could change a clinical atmosphere into a “room full of joy”. With this specific pet therapy, people could improve their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

With her background as a human psychotherapist, and knowing exactly what it feels like to be frail, ill, immobile, in pain, misunderstood and unable to clearly communicate, Velma knew that she could produce a professional and truly beneficial pet therapy program.

This lead to Velma establishing “Velma's Pets As Therapy”.

It brings Velma great personal satisfaction to know that the organization she founded is providing the opportunity for around 15,000 people per year, living without pets, to experience the purest pleasure, joy, stimulation, entertainment and companionship that pet therapy can bring.

Cheryl Crabb, a Pets as Therapy volunteer, shares the following story of a recent experience:

There was an elderly lady named Doris across the room. She gently rocked, eyes down, whilst playing with the corners of her tray, which was attached to her chair. Her stiff fingers circled the corners of the tray.

When I first introduced my dog Millie to Doris there was little response from her. But after a few visits and my persistent smiles, Doris allowed me to gently place her hand on Millie's soft, furry back. I was thrilled though our eyes never met. With a little help, Doris enjoyed patting Millie in circling motions, which must have felt much nicer than the hard surface of her chair tray. Most times I visited the nursing home I was told, "not to bother" with Doris but I felt Doris could understand I was there and I never left her out.

This continued for the best part of a year… but then, wow! On today's visit, when I placed Doris's hand as usual on Millie's back, Doris held my arm, pulled me closer and gave me full eye contact. At first she had a few tears, and then her face transformed into the most beautiful beaming smile. No words needed to be spoken between us. One heart was speaking to another. The message was clear to me. Doris had appreciated our visits and somehow today, she found a way to convey that to me.
 

It was a wonderful experience, and one that shall remain with me forever. I was so touched that I cried with joy all the way home and I know Millie could feel my elation.

Velma’s Pets as Therapy is a not-for-profit enterprise. It offers a Pets As Therapy Correspondence Training Course that includes everything a person should know BEFORE taking a pet on a therapy visit.

The training course is an easy-to-follow correspondence program for dog owners to train their dog in their own home to the required obedience level. The course offers advice on how to visit frail, elderly or other people with special needs, who would benefit from contact with a friendly dog. The course covers health and safety issues, correct interaction techniques, and many other useful skills.

Course students are located in several countries. The correspondence course fee is US$150.00. If you would like more details, please e-mail Velma velma@velmaspetsastherapy.com.au