I remember so clearly one of the first facilities we visited all those years ago. I had become involved with a social service agency in New York in my role as Vice President of Community Outreach for a global cosmetics company and thought a dog could complement the many therapies they offered the special children and families they served. The Director loved the idea and asked us to partner with a young girl, seven years old, who had cerebral palsy. We knew the physical aspects of playing with Coco, brushing her, holding her leash would be beneficial to enhancing her movement. We had no idea how far beyond physical therapy our involvement would reach.
Nina would meet us after school and at first she was so shy and quiet. But Coco knew exactly how to bring her out of her shell and encourage her to try new things. Through patience, trust and deep friendship, Nina learned to throw a ball to Coco and clip her leash on and off, dress her in little sweaters, brush her hair and play Hide & Seek. Because Coco “couldn’t hear very well” Nina had to raise her little voice to be heard. Because Coco had so many “itchies” Nina had to scratch a little harder so Coco would feel relieved. Nina would do her homework alongside Coco or read a book with her friend on her lap. Each new therapy or game made both child and dog stronger and happier.
As Nina got older, she would take Coco for “walks” alongside her wheelchair. And as Coco got older, Nina would take her for “rides” on her wheelchair.
When you choose to be an animal assisted therapy pair for a specific child all the years we worked with Nina, you can’t help but become a part of each other’s lives. And I came to understand that while anyone could see Nina’s physical limitations, only those who loved her could see her “invisible” scars. Nina would talk to Coco about her family and as Coco’s vehicle I learned how to relate to this amazingly wise child and with the guidance of the social workers, how to utilize her love for Coco to give her a forum to talk and express her emotions. So over the years her special time with Coco became as much a time to talk and share and be happy or sad in a safe environment, as well as time for physical therapy. And I came to respect the case workers and support team and was very proud to be a part of Nina’s care plan.
Through the years Coco and I took on more and more special assignments and with every new child, facility and relationship recognized how the human-animal bond can not only augment traditional therapies, but sometimes surpass them.
Sue Grundfest is a licensed Team Evaluator for Delta Society, the national animal assisted therapy program. If you would like to see if you and your pet are suitable for therapy work, please contact Sue at coco@cocothelovedog.com
If you found this article helpful, please read our other columns
Comments