Percy. Therapy Dog.
Introducing Percy, a special companion who has had a very important and needed role as a therapy dog, and my friend Mel who has generously donated her time the past 5 years so others could have meaningful interactions and unconditional support from her favourite furry four-legged friend. The soothing activity of repeatedly petting a therapy dog, can aid with relaxation and reducing stress levels. There are no demands or judgement from the therapy dog, just an eagerness in the moment to enjoy your company. This type of therapeutic engagement can offset feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety, and I have witnessed all of this first hand over the years working in long-term care where pet therapy can be part of recreation programming. Thanks Mel for sharing Percy’s story and for giving back to the community in such a kind and amazing way!
“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.”
Percy’s Story.
This is Percy. For more than five years he has had the job of professional love-giver. He’s a therapy dog. Pre-pandemic, Percy visited regularly at a long-term care home.
He has friends who know him and look forward to his visits. He is a comfort and a source of happiness.
Percy is also a furry prompt. His presence often leads to residents sharing stories about the dogs they’ve had in their lives. He has heard the stories of myriad good boys and girls who played an important role in residents’ lives.
Long-term care isn’t his whole job. Percy also visits at Safehaven, a home for children with complex care needs. Some of the kids are so happy to see him that they wait by the elevator when they know he’s coming.
“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”
Other kids live with such serious disabilities that they cannot interact with him and don’t even seem to know he’s there. Percy still greets them all. He’ll lie by their wheelchairs, or lick their hands.
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.”
Percy believes in art and literature – that’s why he visits with kids at his local library.
He can’t read (yet), so they read to him. He never laughs if they stumble over words or have trouble reading. He likes it when they show him the pictures.
Eventually, this pandemic will end. It’s been a rough time for a lot of people. But Percy specializes in mental health and he’s ready to get back to work where he’s needed most.
‘The Pet-Effect’.
The benefits of pet therapy in congregate and long-term care settings are described below. From the article; ‘For Better Mental Health, Experience the Pet Effect’.
“The Pet Effect, also known as the human-animal bond, is the mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that positively impacts the health and well-being of both.
Specifically, pets and therapy animals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.”