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z | Page 5 Volume 14 Number 21 | 50¢
May 28, 2015
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Teacher’s pet loves to read Recently you may have come across the story of Smiley, the blind therapy dog from Ontario. He is a golden retriever born without eyes but a heart as golden as his fur. Smiley became an Internet sensation when people saw the magic this amazing trained Therapy Dog, who was certified by St. John’s Ambulance, could do with a room full of rambunctious children. Smiley’s disability does not stop him from bringing happiness everywhere he goes and by example teaches us all that love overcomes obstacles. Thanks to the innovation of the dedicated healers of St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) they have developed a project called “Paws 4 Stories” and offering the program that teams up SJA Therapy Dogs in our community and their volunteer handlers with children and teach literacy by introducing the child to the most patient, furry, four-legged listener ever trained! Therapy Dogs are SJA certified to visit people who would benefit from regular contact with a dog. Some of these benefits include lowering blood pressure, relieving agitation to calm a person and their presence can refresh the mind of someone who is confused. All dogs go through an assessment process consisting of exercises that closely replicate the situations that may be encountered when visiting in a facility. The dog’s reactions
Trudie Bonbernard and her partner, Skye the SJA Therapy Dog.
to each calculated situation and stimulation are observed and evaluated by professional trainers gauging the fearless fido’s suitability for Therapy Dog work and eligibility to the Paws 4 Stories program. Before entering the program the volunteer pooches complete an application form with the aid of
their owner’s opposable thumbs and must complete a screening process that includes a thorough background check. The owners must provide a copy of the canine candidate’s current vaccination certificates including rabies. They must be clean and well groomed while visiting and must pass a temperament and suitability
assessment to ensure the hopeful hound responds well to situations that may occur during visitations. Some dogs are just the perfect fit for this type of environment and anything can happen when you combine eager tail-waggers with inquisitive rug-rats for the first time! Once the process is complete and the dog becomes a certified volunteer they receive their new uniform to set them apart from the average hydrant sniffers in the park. The uniform includes a spiffy red and white neckerchief with the St. John’s logo and the title of “Therapy Dog” stitched proudly in bold black, which must be worn whenever on duty. Paws 4 Stories dogs are registered St. John Therapy Dogs who have passed this special children’s evaluation and volunteer with their owner as a reading companion for children. The program is designed to improve reading skills for children, ages six through eleven. The kids are encouraged to read to a certified SJA Therapy Dog for ten to twenty minutes each session to help increase relaxation. With the dog listening the child is able to overcome their fears, such as making mistakes or others judging them. When a child reads with a dog they start to relax and they forget about feeling nervous or stressed. The environment calms as the Paws 4 Stories Therapy Dog - continued on page 2
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