The human-animal bond is truly extraordinary. These days, some really amazing animals are helping people in very special ways. These animals and folks bring a lot of joy by reaching out to help the sick, the disabled, war veterans, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, hospitals, hospice, public libraries, schools and more. These are some pretty awesome Animals and the Folks who bring so much Love and devotion to help others is truly a wonderful thing. At the bottom of the page is the LAWES for; Right to dog guide in place of public accommodation or on public transportation.
Canine Companions
Help is a four-legged word.
Founded in 1975,
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization
that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly
trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality
partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, CCI is the largest
non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for
the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches
it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of
increased independence and loving companionship.
If you'd like to help:
Therapy Dogs United Program
Our Programs
Therapy
dogs impact learning and provide the catalyst for positive change.
Since a therapy dog loves to interact with everyone - from children, to
adults, to seniors - our core Facility Dog Placement Programs and
Educational Programs really allow our dogs to shine! To read more about "Dawn" our Facility Dog in Training, click here!
FACILITY, SKILLED SUPPORT & COMPANION DOGS
A Facility Therapy Dog has many
proven benefits in health care, senior living and educational
settings. Facility Dogs enhance the quality of life by providing
unconditional love and permanent companionship on a full time basis,
24/7. TDU's Skilled Support Dog (Animal-Assisted Therapy) Placement Program
helps residents and students better manage their daily lives. Our dogs
help with physical rehabilitation and encourage clients to engage in
physical activities. The ultimate goal is to regain health,
independence and mobility. Skilled Support Dogs work well
with individuals dealing with behavioral, emotional or cognitive
challenges, Autism, or Down Syndrome. We can also match a Companion Dog (Emotional Support Dog) with
an individual suffering from depression, loneliness, or in need of
companionship. These therapy dogs are excellent partners for disabled
residents who live in public or federally supported housing. To
receive a Needs Assessment Application, Email: pat@therapydogsunited.org Our waiting list is approximately 6-12 months long.
New in 2009!
TDU's ACE Program (Animal Care for Exceptional Children & Adults)
is a traveling school-based animal-assisted therapy and rehabilitation
program designed to help children and young adults affected by:
- Autism
- Down Syndrome
- Physical injury or disability
- Emotional or behavioral challenges
- Cognitive loss
- Speech or hearing difficulties
PAL PROGRAMBring a therapy dog into the classroom and you will inspire a child to learn. That's why our PAL Program is so successful with pre-school and elementary school-aged children in the arts, music and literature. Our "Tutors with a Tail" in-school reading support program is a key component of PAL. To read more about TDU's "Read n Feed" partner project with WSEE-TV and the Erie School District, click here.
If you'd like to help:
http://www.therapydogsunited.org/program/
Pals For Life is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing companion animal programs to people who need them so much:
>> Elderly >> Handicapped >> Mentally Impaired ...
Persons who need love, friendship and something warm and
furry to hug. For more information about who we are and what we do,
please click here. To contact us click here.
Pals For Life Pets ...
The
furry participants in our programs consist of dogs, puppies, cats,
kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Many are borrowed from local animal
shelters, after being evaluated for suitable temperament.
The animals have a wonderful time, for not only are they thoroughly spoiled during the visits, but literally hundreds have been adopted as a result. Pals For Life give these homeless pets a second chance for a life full of happiness. Volunteers also bring their own pets on programs, once they have passed obedience and temperament tests. These pets provide continuity to the programs, as residents form lasting friendships with pets and their owners.
"Pets and People Helping Each Other"
We visited a total of 73 facilities and conducted 723 programs.If you'd like more information or want to help:
http://www.palsforlife.org/index.php
Dogs For The DeafMission Statement: Rescuing and professionally training dogs to assist people and enhance their lives, maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs we rescue and all teams we serve.
Our Dogs:
Autism Program
Autism Assistance Dogs can provide added safety, particularly with children who tend to bolt. The parent controls the dog on leash with the child attached to the dog by a tether. If the child tries to bolt, the dog is trained to sit and act as an anchor, giving the parent time to step in and take over. Autism Assistance Dogs can also have a calming effect on the child in general, but more specifically, during the transition from one activity/environment to another. Some children with autism experience a greater desire to communicate if they
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There is no single solution to the challenges autism creates. Autism Assistance Dogs are not a "solution" but a tool that comes in the form of four legs and fur that may or may not be the right choice for your child.
Autism Assistance Dogs are not baby sitters or protectors. Significant amounts of time and energy will be required during the bonding process and for the ongoing training as is necessary with any type of Assistance Dog. As with any dog, these dogs require the time and work necessary for grooming, exercising, and maintaining their training.
New data shows an average of 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Read more on Autism: http://autismawarenessjewellery.com/
To read more: http://www.dogsforthedeaf.org/about-us
Donate - Making a Charitable Contribution to GDB
While there are many great causes worthy of charitable donations, few
can immediately change a life or continue to have an impact throughout a
lifetime. When you donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind, you're helping
our school keep our promise to each of the more than 2,000 blind men and
women who are our alumni. The services we offer are provided free of
charge, and thanks to our supporters, we are able to do this without
government aid.
Why does Guide Dogs need your gift?
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit, charitable organization under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (tax ID #94-1196195). Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by federal and state laws. Rest assured that Guide Dogs will not sell, trade or rent addresses on our mailing list without your permission. We value your trust.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Combining extensive experience, comprehensive
capabilities across many client types, and adherence to rigorous
standards of practice, American Humane Association's Animal-Assisted
Therapy program collaborates with people and organizations to help them
conduct safe, effective animal-assisted therapy. With over 200
handler-animal teams serving 50 facilities in the Denver-metro area,
approximately 120,000 lives per year are impacted by the healing touch
of human-animal interaction.
Update: American Humane Association Animal-Assisted Therapy launched a program this week at Aurora Veterans Home, a program of Aurora Mental Health Center. Aurora Veterans Home is a 15-bed facility serving honorably discharged veterans struggling with homelessness, substance-use disorder and mental health issues. Participating veterans will be paired with an American Humane Association trained, volunteer handler/animal team to help alleviate the symptoms of those suffering from depression and work on other personal goals.
What are Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted activities (AAA) provide opportunities for motivational, educational and/or recreational benefits to enhance a person’s quality of life. AAA are delivered by professionals, para-professionals or volunteers who demonstrate knowledge about animals and the human populations with which they interact. As an example of AAA, an individual brings his or her dog to a long-term care facility to visit the residents. Although the staff is involved in the visits, no treatment goals have been set for the visit and, aside from signing in and out, no records are kept.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the clinical health-care treatment process. AAT is delivered or directed by a professional health or human service provider who demonstrates skill and expertise regarding the clinical applications of human-animal interactions.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
There are over 52 million people or approximately 20% of our
population in the United States that are mentally and/or physically
handicapped and those numbers continue to grow significantly each year.
It is estimated that with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that there is
an additional 25% to 30% increase in PTSD. There are over 11 million
people who require assistance with one or more daily activities such as
walking, picking up dropped items, answering the phone, etc. Roughly 12
million others require a wheelchair or some other ambulatory equipment
such as a cane, walker or crutches. The assistance these disabled
people require not only strips them of their individual freedoms and
quality of life, but also, often creates an enormous burden on the
caregivers and community.
It is our goal, that by combining our business skills and specialized training abilities that we can bring dignity and independence to many of these disabled people through the use of our specially trained service dogs. For that purpose, as of May of 2010, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., was founded in north central Florida. Though the southern United States has the highest numbers of disabled people, we are prepared to improve the lives of special needs individuals everywhere in the nation.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., specifically chose to become a 501(C)(3) corporation in an effort to make as many of these dogs available to the disabled as possible. The cost of raising and training one of these dogs from start to finish is about $20,000. This is cost prohibitive to most people and especially to someone living on disability. Thus, the only answer was to donate these dogs and secure funding for this project through grants, fundraising, sponsors, donations, public paid training services and our medical service dog training program that we have developed to teach others how to do what we do.
To read more: http://medicalservicedogs.com/about/
Help Seniors Adopt and Keep Their Pets with These Grants and Ideas
It’s heartbreaking to visit a shelter or rescue group and see all the homeless pets given up by seniors who can no longer afford them. Or sometimes they’re given up because the owners are moving to assisted living or a nursing home and no one in the family will take their pets. And, think of all the pets who need a home but seniors can’t adopt due to lack of funds. Following are some grants and ideas to help seniors adopt as well as keep their pets. The Pets for the Elderly Foundation helps pay the fees to participating animal shelters throughout the United States for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat from a participating shelter — including pre-adoption veterinary exams and spay/neuter, if part of the adoption fee. Last year, the Pets for the Elderly Foundation assisted with the adoption of over 6,500 companion animals.
Pet Peace of Mind grants offered by Banfield Charitable Trust helps hospice patients and their pets with the following:
• Assistance with pet food and cat litter
• Assistance with pet placement after patient’s death
• Flea and tick treatment, grooming and bathing
• Heartworm preventative
• Pain and comfort medications for elderly animals
• Pet boarding or petsitting in case of patient hospitalization
• Routine veterinary care to maintain pet health and decrease patient stress
• Spaying and neutering assistance
• Transportation to and from vet appointments
Purina® Pets for Seniors partners with participating humane organizations to offer adoption assistance‚ in many cases free of charge‚ to qualified senior citizens (age 60 and over). Following the review‚ if the senior meets the shelter’s normal adoption screening requirements‚ the senior may adopt a puppy‚ dog‚ kitten‚ or cat‚ depending upon the availability of suitable animals. Do a search online such as “Pets for Seniors” in your area. Many rescue groups and shelters have a “Seniors for Seniors” program in which some funding and/or pet services are available to help.
If you have a senior citizen in your family who’s struggling to buy pet food or pay for veterinarian expenses, offer to help. Offer to pay for the pet’s yearly exam and vaccinations. Give your relative a gift card to the pet food store. Forego an evening out for yourself and help your pet relative instead.
If you'd like to read more:
Creating a Humane World for Animals and People
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals and enriching the lives of people. For more than 30 years, our no-kill Center has provided humane care and adoption for orphaned animals, as well as animal-centered educational and therapeutic programs for people. The Center is a dynamic, evolving institution that is an agent of change for the animal welfare world. Not only are we operating innovative and beneficial programs for animals and people, but we are teaching others around the world how to successfully market and promote their programs and stop the senseless death of thousands of animals.
There are many ways you can help contribute
to our life-saving mission and effect positive change for the animals.
Please join us today and make a difference for life.
http://www.animalcenter.org/
We believe in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is very important to life. You can help sponsor a pick up site for homeless and their loving companions in your neighborhood.
Through
Feeding Pets of the Homeless, we will do our part to help reduce hunger
in pets that belong to the homeless and the less fortunate and provide
medical care for those pets in communities across the country.
We
believe in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal
bond which is very important to life. Our actions include the following:
1.
Promoting to veterinarians and pet related businesses the importance of
joining the program
2. Speaking out on the issue of pets of homeless
and the disadvantaged
3. Campaigning to food distributing
organizations the importance of distributing pet food to the less
fortunate
4.
Providing grants to licensed veterinarians and other nonprofit
organizations that meet our objectives to administer medical care to
pets of the homeless. (For guidelines and application, please email
info@petsofhomeless.org) Donations are tax-deductible under section
501(c)(3) of the IRS code. 
Contact: info@petsofhomeless.org if you would like to become a volunteer collection site.
Enriching Lives, Increasing Independence
for children with autism and their families
Dogs for Autism trains German Shepherds as powerful tools for the parents of children affected by autism.
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Autism Service Dogs
4 Paws was the first agency to begin placing skilled autism service dogs and continues to be the largest organization in the
United States and the only organization placing in other Countries autism assistance dogs with tracking.
While smaller organizations are attempting to duplicate our services, 4
Paws remains the organization that many autism groups both at the
national and local levels recommend to their families. We receive
hundreds of calls each year in which the families state they received
our contact information from these groups.
As the founding agency of autism assistance dogs with tracking we
continue to provide the highest quality of dogs to every child that
applies. 4 Paws, unlike almost every other agency does not pick and
choose whose child will get a dog. As long as the child's physician
approves the dog and it is safe to place a dog in the home, no family is
turned away. We continue our services with no long waiting lists and
continue as always to "partner" with our families to provide the autism
service dog their child needs. In addition, our online group for 4 Paws Families has a membership of
100+ families. With a group of families, all either having, or in the
process of obtaining a service dog from our agency, all in one place
with access to each other it is obvious that our families love their
dogs and are very happy with our autism service dogs.
They feel that being a part of the 4 Paws family as an honor and are
happy to remain on our online network to help the next group of families
find the same happiness they did in a friend with 4 Paws.
To read more: http://www.4pawsforability.org/autismdogs.html
Service Dog Training by Patriot PAWS
Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs for the benefit of disabled American Veterans in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence, and to provide a service for other American’s with mobile disabilities.
Recognition
Archie, a Patriot PAWS Service Dog, was named Dog of the Year by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The eight-year old black Labrador retriever was honored with the 2009 Humane Award in New York City. Read more…
Lori Stevens, Founder and Executive Director of Patriot PAWS, was named Woman of the Year by the American Legion Auxiliary in August 2009. This prestigious award has previously been awarded to Laura Bush, Condoleezza Rice, and other prominent public figures. Read more…
Support
Patriot PAWS is a 501 (c) (3) organization and is committed to
providing service dogs of the highest quality at minimum cost. It takes
12 to 18 months to properly train just one service dog, and the cost of
care and training for a single service dog during the training period is
approximately $20-$30,000. There are no charges for those selected to
receive the dogs. Only through donations (tax deductible) and volunteers are we able to provide these dogs to disabled veterans in need. Donate now to Patriot PAWS! To read more or help: http://www.patriotpaws.org/
- They also have:
Programs
The current focus of Patriot PAWS is development of a prison program to train inmates to become trainers of service dogs. Patriot PAWS and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) entered into partnership to have prisoners train service dogs for Disabled American Veterans in 2008.
- ttp://www.patriotpaws.org/programs.html
Seasons of Supper - Banfield Pet Hospitals Helping Seniors and their Animal Companions!
“We know that many seniors in our community are compromising their own nutrition by sharing their meals with their Pets.
About Banfield, The
Pet Hospital®
Founded
in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield
has become the largest
Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 730
quality hospitals in many neighborhoods across the U.S., in the U.K.
and in Mexico. More than 1,500 veterinarians at Banfield are committed
to giving Pets the same level of care that their human family members
receive. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive,
medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care
plans, extended operating hours, and is the only veterinary practice in
the world with an extensive quality assurance program.
About We All Love Our
Pets (WALOP)
We
All Love Our Pets (WALOP) is a MOWAA initiative that enables local
Meals On Wheels programs to begin or sustain pet food programs in order
to nourish the pets of seniors. While many Meals On Wheels programs
have their own pet food services, this is the first initiative of its
kind on a national level. The goal of the WALOP program is to provide
support and materials to the Meals On Wheels programs nationwide that
support the needs of their clients and their pets by providing pet food
supplements.
| Love on a Leash! Pawsitive Pets pet assisted therapy services works with rehabilitation facilities, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, hospitals, hospice, public libraries, schools and more. Our teams volunteer their time and love sharing the comfort, healing and connection of the human animal bond. Our animals give unconditional love to people of all ages with physical, social, emotional, academic and cognitive needs. We depend upon the commitment of our volunteers and rely on the kindness of people like you so that we can continue this important service for our communities! Contact us if you would like to have a pet assisted therapy team in your facility or donate by sponsoring a team! Learn more - FAQ's! |
 Pawsitive Pets is a non-profit organization servicing NE Florida with Pet Assisted Therapy services in facilities and as a facilitator of R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog program) in public and private schools. We are a turn-key organization providing evaluation, testing, certification and insurance for our teams! Learn more - FAQ's! Come Meet our Pet Assisted Therapy animals and read your favorite book! Take a look at our upcoming Calendar of Events to visit with a R.E.A.D. dog! Contact us if you would like to implement R.E.A.D. in your school or donate by sponsoring a child! |
 http://www.pawsitivepets.org/ |
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| NEADS (Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans), of Princeton, MA, is a non-profit organization, organized under section 501c (3) of the IRS code. NEADS was established in 1976 to train and provide independence to people who are deaf or physically disabled through the use of canine assistance. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. NEADS has trained well over 1300 assistance dog teams from all states since 1976. Each year we train over 50 teams and hold three heartwarming and inspirational graduation ceremonies (spring, summer and fall) to mark the occasions. This graduation ceremony is open to the public and completes the six month training cycle undergone by the dogs to be ready to assist their human partners. Among the types of dogs trained are: hearing, service, social, specialty, service dogs for the classroom, ministry, therapy and walker dogs. People who get dogs live in NEADS' fully accessible residence for two weeks while learning to work together to develop a strong working relationship. With careful supervision from the trainers, our clients learn to handle their dogs to maximum potential. These "students' pay for their dog and equipment. For the balance of the cost of the dog, NEADS raises sponsorships for each person. We encourage graduates to participate in funding as much as possible. NEADS relies solely on the support of individuals, foundations, corporations, service organizations, bequests and workplace campaigns. It receives no government funding. Please read more detail about each of the above topics. Just click the appropriate button on the home page. |
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National Association of Service Dogs
About
Welcome to NASD
We are a nationally recognized, non-profit organization, which professionally certifies service dogs (and other special aid dogs or animals) to assist people with disabilities or special needs.
Our Mission
We exist as a non-profit organization solely for the purpose of certifying dogs that qualify as service dogs in a variety of classifications i.e.; therapy, seeing-eye, mobility, etcetera. We support the rights of all people that qualify legitimately under the ADA guidelines for use of a Service Animal to aid them with their disability (whatever that may be) and we encourage and support training of animals for that purpose.
Company Profile
We are registered with the State of California as a Non-profit Organization. Donations to help support this cause are greatly appreciated and can be made here via the DONATE button. We work diligently with the Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, American Kennel Club and other organizations to support the use of Service Dogs/Animals.
We started this organization after we had our dog trained and certified as a service dog for our son based upon his Doctor's recommendation that such an animal would help him greatly with his own disabilities. We want to see the privileges granted to Service Animals and their Owners continue by helping to raise public awareness and to eliminate misuse of this right for individuals protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act as it is enforced by the Department of Justice.
http://www.naservicedogs.org/about/about.htm
The Guide Horse Foundation Mission:
Our mission is to provide a safe, cost-effective and reliable mobility alternative for visually impaired people. The Guide Horse Foundation is committed to delivering Guide Horses at no cost to the blind, relying on un-paid volunteers and charitable donations to pay all travel and housing expenses for the blind handler's on-site training.
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We are always seeking legally-blind volunteers to participate in our experiment and you can find a Guide Horse Candidate Application here, or just call for details. |
The Guide Horse Program:
The Guide Horse Foundation was founded in 1999 as an experimental program to access the abilities of miniature horses as assistance animals. There is a critical shortage of guide animals for the blind and guide horses are an appropriate assistance animal for thousands of visually impaired people in the USA. In early experiments, Guide Horses have shown great promise as a mobility option, and people who have tried Guide Horses report that the Guide Horses perform exceptionally well at keeping their person safe. These friendly horses provide an experimental alternative mobility option for blind people. People who have tried Guide Horses report that the horses demonstrate excellent judgment and are not easily distracted by crowds and people. Guide horses are not for everyone, but there is a strong demand for Guide Horses among blind horse lovers, those who are allergic to dogs, and those who want a guide animal with a longer lifespan.
An international Poll by the Discovery Channel showed that 27% of respondents would prefer a Guide Horse if they required a guide animal.
Who is the Ideal Guide Horse Owner?
The Guide Horse Foundation has had exceptional interest from the following types of people:
- Horse
lovers - Blind
people who have grown up with horses and understand
equine behavior and care are ideal candidates.
- Allergenic
people - Many
people who are severely allergic to traditional guide
animals and find horses a non-allergenic alternative for
mobility.
- Mature
Individuals - Many
people report difficulty dealing with the grief of losing
their animals, and horses tend to live far longer
than traditional guides.
- Physically
Disabled folks
- Because of their docile nature, Guide Horses are
easier to handle for individuals with physical
disabilities. They are also strong enough to provide
support, helping the handler to rise from their chair.
- Dog
Phobia - Individuals who fear
dogs are often comfortable working with a tiny horse.
- Outdoor Animal - Many individuals prefer a guide animal that does not have to live in the house when off duty.
- Guide Horses are very clean and can be housebroken. Horses do not get fleas and only shed twice per year. Horses are not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty.
- http://www.guidehorse.org/
Monkey Helpers for the Disabled
Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled is a national nonprofit serving quadriplegic and other people with severe spinal cord injuries or mobility-impairments by providing highly trained monkeys to assist with daily activities. We raise and train these monkeys to act as live-in companions who, over the course of 20-30 years, will provide the gifts of independence, companionship, dignity and hope to the people they help. Helping Hands also educates thousands of young people annually through the Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Program (SCIPP). SCIPP teaches preventive measures for safety awareness, heightens sensitivity to the challenges of being disabled, and promotes understanding of the human-animal bond.
Through the generous support of donors and volunteers - just like you - our monkeys are placed at no cost with disabled people and their families.
http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/
Service Dogs
Dogs
make great pets, amazing companions, and fantastic security. But dogs
have a long history with mankind, and they have not always been pets.
The first dogs were domesticated as tools, and we still see that in
different breeds of dogs. Retrievers make great pets, but they were
bred to retrieve for hunters and gatherers. Despite the widespread use
of dogs as pets, our canine friends are still used in very serious
service and support roles. Dogs can be used to aid people with hearing
and vision disabilities. Dogs can also be trained to respond in the
case of a medical emergency. They are trained by professionals, and
before they are paired off with a disabled person, they are trained in
tandem with their new owners. But this is not the only type of dog in
service. A service dog must be able to perform their jobs without
any sudden stopping due to prior issues. Finally, they need to have
good conformation. If the candidate for service dog meets all these
criteria, then you have a suitable candidate for training.
Anybody
can train a service dog with the right about knowledge and
preparation. In fact, there is a widespread program for convicts to
train puppies into service dogs. Once you have a dog in service, you
need to do certain things to keep the dog healthy, and to make your
life more convenient. Dog vests, dog braces, dog collars, grooming
supplies, and other items are reasonable needs for service dogs.
If
you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer
service representatives. They will be happy to answer questions and
implement suggestions.
If you need help or would like to help:
http://www.topdog.org/
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Cody, a happy-go-lucky Labrador retriever, makes his rounds at the Lutheran Hospice, in Lexington, South Carolina chasing tennis balls and making people smile. Lucky, the one-eyed cat, works with hearing-impaired children in Sherman, Texas, teaching them about accepting differences.
Dickens, a 6-year-old Golden
Retriever, visits psychiatric patients in local hospitals in Tenafly,
NJ, working small miracles with hard-to-reach patients.
They are therapy animals reaching out to help the sick, the elderly, the disabled and others in need by volunteering to visit local hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools. More than 2,500 such therapy animals, along with their human partners, help more than 350,000 people in 45 states each year, thanks to the Delta Society's Pet Partners Program.
About Delta Society
Delta Society's mission is to improve human health through service and
therapy animals. The society's goals are to expand awareness of the
positive effect animals can have on human health and development; to
remove barriers that prevent involvement of animals in everyday life;
and to expand the therapeutic and service role of animals in human
health, service, and education. Delta Society's Pet Partners is an international
screening and training program for Animal Assisted Therapy animal
handlers. Many facilities which have AAA/T programs have made Pet
Partners a prerequisite.
For more information on Pet Partners, training requirements, and getting started, go to Delta Society's website at http://www.deltasociety.org.
Animal companions and the elderly
Brought to you by: Animal Liberation
Everyday pets bring love, laughter and companionship
to elderly people all over the world. Doctors, social workers, home
care workers and nursing homes recommend companion animals to help the
elderly lead happy, healthy lives. Birds, cats, dogs and other pets help
to keep seniors active and give them a chance to nurture and receive
love in return for caring for a pet..
Benefits of animal companions include:
• A
feeling of unconditional love
• The addition of joy and laughter to
daily life
• The alleviation of depression, anxiety and fatigue
• A
sense of purpose and fulfillment
• Physical contact with a living
thing-......-something that can be missing from an older person's life
•
A diversion from everyday problems and worries
• A pleasant reminder
of past pets
• A way to encourage communication (both with pets and
other people)
• A way to stimulate physical activity
Advantages of Companion Pets
Companionship
Pets are great companions for elderly people who
live alone and have little contact with family and friends. Animals help
cure seniors’ loneliness. Pets give them a different outlook and bring
laughter and love into their lives. They make seniors feel needed and
keep them active seeing to the pet’s daily care..
Acceptance
Pets accept their elder owners as they are. They are
devoted, forgiving and loving. They don’t hold grudges, bring up the
past or stop interacting with their owners because of a difference of
opinion..
Touch
Research has proven that touch is very important to
the well being of humans. We all need to be hugged and be able to hug in
return. A cat curled up in the lap of a senior or the friendly touch of
a dog’s nose will help the elderly feel safe and secure and gives them a
sense of reassurance and satisfaction. Stoking a beloved pet can lower
blood pressure and lift depression..
Keeping Active
There’s nothing that can bring laughter into the
life of a senior like animal antics. Seniors keep active by feeding,
grooming and caring for their pets. Dogs get the elderly out of their
living quarters and into the fresh air and sunshine. While out walking,
they meet other people who they can converse with. Caring for pets keep
seniors active both mentally and physically..
Responsibility 
By caring for a pet’s needs, such as feeding,
grooming and walking, animals give seniors the incentive to maintain
their own hygiene. Pets give the elderly a sense of independence, boosts
self esteem and motivates them to perform daily tasks that may
otherwise be ignored, such as bathing, eating and getting out of the
house..
Safety and Security
Pets give the elderly a sense of security. Dogs
alert them when someone comes to the door. Seniors feel safer answering
the door when there is a dog present. Dogs can also alert seniors who
are hard of hearing to a ringing telephone or the ringing of a door
bell..
Socialization
Dogs are an especially good choice for seniors who
need socialization. Seniors who walk their dogs get to know the people
in the neighborhood. Animals help break the ice and encourage friendly
conversation between people who might otherwise feel they have nothing
in common. Seniors need to socialize to maintain good mental health and a
pet provides them with stories to share with others..
Staying in Touch with Nature
When people lived in rural areas and were still
allowed to keep chickens, ducks and other animals in cities and towns,
they were constantly in touch with the natural world. Today’s society is
largely urban and industrialized....... Animals other than pets can
only be found in petting farms and zoos. People have lost contact with
nature which is always balm for the soul. Pets help seniors to stay in
contact with nature and they fill voids that can otherwise lead to
anxiety and depression..
Living
for the Moment
Pets live for the moment. They cope with life’s ups
and downs and then forget about them. Pets help the elderly to keep
focused on the present and keep them in touch with the small pleasures
of life. Pets take time to stop and smell the roses every day. Seniors
who have a companion pet tend to do the same. The innocence and trust of
a companion pet help seniors to be less cynical toward life and to
overcome feelings of isolation and rejection..
If you have an elderly family member who is either
living alone or one that has limited contact with family or friends, an
animal companion can be the best option to help an elderly family member
overcome loneliness and isolation. Animals can give elderly seniors
unconditional love, companionship, and gives them reason to greet the
next day with a smile. Animals make elderly seniors feel needed and
wanted which does help them to stay active which benefits their health..
Animals help brighten up our lives every day. How
can anyone harm these innocent and loving animals? Please help save
these beautiful animals from anyone who would want to harm them. Please
report animal cruelty/......neglect immediately to your local
authorities and/or humane rescue organization..
These animals love us with all their hearts. Please
help save them before it is too late.. If not you, who? If not now,
when?
http://denbeath.blogspot.com/2009/07/animal-rightsanimal-companions-and.html
Puppies In Prison
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. is proud
of the success
of our Prison Puppy Training Program, in alliance with Toledo
Correctional Institute (ToCI) in
downtown Toledo, Ohio. The program, the first of its kind in the Toledo
area, helps increase
the number of dogs we have in training, sets standards for more involved
training of our dogs, and
helps inmates gain a sense of accomplishment. The program kicked off in
November 2005, and we
placed our first puppies with inmates in January of this 2006. We are
excited to report that the
first prison puppies through this program graduated with their partner
clients in November of 2007.
To read about these graduates
click here.
We have been so pleased with the success of the Prison Puppy Training program that we are expanding the program. Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. is starting a new program in the Cleveland, Ohio area to extend our puppy raising program. The administrators of the Cleveland Pre-Release Center and ADAI are collaborating to implement this program.
How does the Prison Puppy Program work?
Puppies live with inmates 24 hours a day and sleep crated in their single-person cells. They live with their inmate-trainers until they are one year old, at which time they are be placed with one of our traditional foster families. Inmates work with the puppies on socialization and basic obedience skills.
This program was modeled after the Indiana Canine Assistant and Adolescent Network (ICAAN) program. According to ICAAN, benefits to the Indiana prisons are impressive:
- 97% inmate-trainers demonstrated improvement in empathy and lessened depression
- 87% inmate-trainers showed improvement in positive communication skills
- Correctional Staff report overall decrease in general offender acting out in dorms where pups in training were assigned
- 95% inmate-trainers passed test for Certification as Pet Care Technicians from the American Boarding Kennel Association.
Inmates are chosen based on a pattern of responsible behavior while in the facility. They must have good reports from prior job assignments and not have a history of repeated violence. They cannot have committed crimes against animals or sexually-related crimes. The program is managed very tightly by administration at ToCI. A minor transgression will result in removal from the program. The program is designed to have alternate trainers observing the classes so that if an inmate is unable to care for a puppy, there is a skilled inmate to takeover.
Inmates in the
program must go through a 6-week orientation program before they receive
a puppy. Then they meet
with ADAI staff trainers one to two times a week for structured class.
During class, we assess the
well-being and progress of the puppies. Puppies go on "furlough" with
experienced ADAI volunteers
(click
here to learn
how to become a furlough volunteer) so they can have exposure to things
not available in prison
environment, like car rides, restaurants, and children. It also gives us
additional opportunities
to asses the progression of the puppies.
The program in ToCI has been funded by grants from the Stranahan Foundation and the Toledo Community Foundation. Donations of toys, treats and supplies are always appreciated.
If you'd like to read more:
http://www.adai.org/ourdogs/puppyprison.html
346.620. Right to dog guide in place of public accommodation or on public transportation; liability for damages
(2) A trainer or a person who is blind is not required to pay an additional fee or admission charge for the dog guide.
(3) A trainer or a person who is blind is liable for any damages done to a place of public accommodation or to any mode of transportation by the dog guide.
Laws 1967, c. 259, § 2; Laws 1971, c. 87, § 2; part renumbered 346.991; Laws 2007, c. 70, § 137, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
(2) A trainer of a hearing ear dog or a person who is deaf is not required to pay an additional fee or admission charge for the hearing ear dog.
(3) A trainer of a hearing ear dog or a person who is deaf is liable for any damages done to a place of public accommodation or to any mode of transportation by the hearing ear dog.
Laws 1981, c. 771, § 4; Laws 2007, c. 70, § 140, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
(3) As used in this section and ORS 30.822:
346.685. Rights of physically impaired person and trainer to assistance animal; liability for damages
(2) A trainer or a person with a physical impairment is not required to pay an additional fee or admission charge for the assistance animal.
(3) The assistance animal shall be allowed to accompany its owner in an ambulance or other mode of transportation in the event of a medical emergency. If the owner is unconscious, the assistance animal shall be placed in an emergency veterinary clinic until the person regains consciousness and can make arrangements for the animal, or a relative responsible for the injured person is contacted and can make arrangements for the animal, or until the injured person dies, in which case the authorities will attempt to contact the school, where the animal was trained, for further action.
(4) A trainer or a person with a physical impairment is liable for any damages done to a place of public accommodation or to any mode of transportation by the assistance animal.
Laws 1989, c. 336, § 2; Laws 2007, c. 70, § 143, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
