My dog Lucy and I volunteer at the UCLA Hospital on the Cardiac Intensive Care ward. The hospital has a program called the People Animal Connection (PAC), which allows specially trained dogs with their handler/owners to visit patients.
We adopted Lucy as a puppy from a rescue organization and did basic obedience training with her. In order to participate in the program, Lucy had to pass a behavior analysis and obedience test with the Delta Society. Delta certifies that the dogs meet strict behavior criteria required for their jobs, are not aggressive in any way, and are totally obedient to their handlers.
Lucy was only two years old at the time so I didn't hold out high expectations that she would pass. She was one of 6 dogs out of 16 who passed. I was thrilled.
Lucy and I visit the hospital two Sunday afternoons a month. When we arrive at the hospital, we pass through the main lobby, and Lucy looks for people she thinks need a dog visit. She leads me over to families or people sitting by themselves with whom she has established connected. Many times we hear how surprised people are to see a dog in the hospital. But they all greet her with open arms.
I never know what sort of situation we will find when we stop to visit. Many times, it is a large family gathered together following a serious illness or injury of a loved one, or it might be a single adult waiting for word on a family member. Having Lucy visit in these situations allows the families a safe place to put their emotions. A lot of times, they want to show strength to others and not let their emotions out. Lucy becomes a safe place to let those emotions go.
When we enter the cardiac ward, the nursing staff all call out greetings and gather around to get their special attention from Lucy. Patients whose doctors have pre-approved a dog visit watch out their doors to catch a glimpse of her. Once in the room, I spread a sheet on their bed and Lucy jumps up onto the bed. She jumps just where I direct her to go. From there, she can wiggle on her tummy to a better position for her visit.
Many patients are hospitalized for long periods of time. Having a dog in the room entirely changes the atmosphere for them. We experience smiles, laughter, and stories about dogs they have owned. I take Polaroid pictures of them with Lucy, as a remembrance of their visit.
Animals bring such joy to our lives. I experience it each and every time we make our Sunday afternoon visits. I wouldn't change it for anything.
~From Linda in Rolling Hills estates
We adopted Lucy as a puppy from a rescue organization and did basic obedience training with her. In order to participate in the program, Lucy had to pass a behavior analysis and obedience test with the Delta Society. Delta certifies that the dogs meet strict behavior criteria required for their jobs, are not aggressive in any way, and are totally obedient to their handlers.
Lucy was only two years old at the time so I didn't hold out high expectations that she would pass. She was one of 6 dogs out of 16 who passed. I was thrilled.
Lucy and I visit the hospital two Sunday afternoons a month. When we arrive at the hospital, we pass through the main lobby, and Lucy looks for people she thinks need a dog visit. She leads me over to families or people sitting by themselves with whom she has established connected. Many times we hear how surprised people are to see a dog in the hospital. But they all greet her with open arms.
I never know what sort of situation we will find when we stop to visit. Many times, it is a large family gathered together following a serious illness or injury of a loved one, or it might be a single adult waiting for word on a family member. Having Lucy visit in these situations allows the families a safe place to put their emotions. A lot of times, they want to show strength to others and not let their emotions out. Lucy becomes a safe place to let those emotions go.
When we enter the cardiac ward, the nursing staff all call out greetings and gather around to get their special attention from Lucy. Patients whose doctors have pre-approved a dog visit watch out their doors to catch a glimpse of her. Once in the room, I spread a sheet on their bed and Lucy jumps up onto the bed. She jumps just where I direct her to go. From there, she can wiggle on her tummy to a better position for her visit.
Many patients are hospitalized for long periods of time. Having a dog in the room entirely changes the atmosphere for them. We experience smiles, laughter, and stories about dogs they have owned. I take Polaroid pictures of them with Lucy, as a remembrance of their visit.
Animals bring such joy to our lives. I experience it each and every time we make our Sunday afternoon visits. I wouldn't change it for anything.
~From Linda in Rolling Hills estates
Comments (2)
Great story, Linda. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Jenn | December 4, 2006 3:24 PM
Posted on December 4, 2006 15:24
Great job Linda. I think those that read your article will get a better understanding on the importance of Animal Assisted Therapy/Activity (AAT/AAA).
You (and Lucy) are so important to this hospital, its patients & their families and to our staff.
Thank you for being one of our great PAC teams.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by JACK BARRON | December 5, 2006 2:12 PM
Posted on December 5, 2006 14:12