MMI ARGENTUM ANNUAL CONVENTION, Myrtle Beach, October 24, 2017
JEAN BAUR
WHY DO WE NEED ANIMALS IN OUR LIVES?
THEY REDUCE STRESS
THEY MAKE US PRESENT
THEY GROUND US IN JOY
THEY PROVIDE IMMEDIATE LOVE AND COMFORT
THEY CONNECT US TO A DIFFERENT SENSE OF TIME*
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THE HEALING TOUCH: TRISH CARTER, SC DOGS
“I think it’s unconditional, nonjudgmental caring and love,” she says. “An animal will go and put their head on somebody’s lap or sit on somebody’s lap and just look at them. And there’s no judgment. They aren’t going to think somebody is different because they’re speaking or acting in a funny way or because they’ve had a stroke.”
BEFORE WE LOOK AT CASE STUDIES/RESEARCH: BELLA’S STORY
STARTING AT THE BEGINNING: 2007
A FOSTER PARENT
NEXT STOP: NEWARK, NJ
A FOREVER HOME
I JUST LOVE IT HERE!
THE CAT IS NOT A SNACK
BELLA DOES TWO YEARS OF AGILITY TRAINING: 2008-2010
BELLA BECOMES CERTIFIED AS A THERAPY DOG: 2011
WE GO TO WORK!
SHE HELPS STAFF AND RESIDENTS AT A REHAB FACILITY
BELLA SEES PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL
SHE WORKS WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN
GETS THEM EXCITED ABOUT READING
AND IS JUST A FRIEND
AND SOMETIMES JUST A DOG
WHO LOVES TREATS
BELLA’SLESSONS Don’t talk all the time Don’t be afraid of people who are ill, dying or can’t respond Travel with your pack
Treats are important There is no me v. them—
only us
BEVERLY*
WHY INCLUDE THERAPY DOGS IN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES?
IT’S GOOD FOR US! HOW PET THERAPY HAS CHANGED ASSISTED LIVING
“It doesn't take a scientist to know that pets make humans feel good; anyone who's ever stroked a dog's fur or felt a cat's thrumming purr knows this. Science can, however, tell us how and why pets can be therapeutic. Just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop. Over the long term, pet and human interactions can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke. This is why pets for the elderly can be so beneficial.” (Robycross—senior living construction and renovations.)
PET THERAPY’S IMPACT ON SUNDOWNER’S SYNDROME AND DEMENTIA Pet therapy for the elderly has also proven to be a powerful tool for what's known as "Sundowner's Syndrome" evening periods of increased agitation and confusion in those with Alzheimer's. Animals' non-verbal communication and profound acceptance can be soothing for those with difficulty using language; some may even connect with memories of their own treasured pets. The San Diego Humane Society's Pet-Assisted Therapy Program has noticed how even the most profoundly affected patients have displayed improved appetite, more social interaction and tactile and cognitive stimulation after interactions with pets. "Animals provide unconditional love and emotional
support in a way that is unparalleled. Our Pet-Assisted Therapy program brings the joys of animals to people who are otherwise unable to have an animal in their life, such as those living in facilities such as convalescent homes, hospitals, mental health centers, children's homes and juvenile detention centers," says Judith Eisenberg, Pet-Assisted Therapy Coordinator for the San Diego Humane Society. "What an animal can give and teach is a powerful source of healing and personal connection.”
From “A Place for Mom”
HABRI: HUMAN ANIMAL BOND RESEARCH INITIATIVE “The benefits of pet therapy in aged care are well
known - one survey found that 90 per cent of respondents believed access to pets was vitally important for residents' well-being. ”
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HOW TO FIND THERAPY DOGS? Ask your local veterinarians Look up Pet Partners (www.petpartners.com) The Good Dog Foundation and Bright & Beautiful
Therapy Dogs Therapy Dogs International (www.tdi-dog.org) American Kennel Club (www.akc.org/events/titlerecognition-program/therapy/ Look in your local newspaper Get help from your town library
BELLA AWARDS!
TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
ENJOY BELLA’S STORY*