KPETS Teams do double duty as disaster dogs! by Trish Hess

I have talked with other KPETS members over the years about our “disaster dogs”. 

Liberty passed her certification exam as a live human sent dog last weekend (Oct, 2013)  in Ohio, and is now fully deploy-able as a FEMA dog (Urban Search and Rescue).

We mourned the passing of Apollo, as any pet owner would grieve. However, his loss was a loss to the community as well. Apollo was a Urban Search and Rescue Dog - trained to find survivors in a disaster setting. He was active with the local fire department, Lancaster County Task Force 36 and PA-TF1 (FEMA). 

Liberty was on trained to carry on this work, but her first love was visiting people. With Liberty, and USAR, it seemed we had a failure to launch on our hands. When Apollo passed away, she got motivated. 

The certification process requires periodic testing - every three years, they recertify. The first test is the FSA (fundamental skills test). It requires the five minute down, directionals, and  the emergency stop. The dog works off lead and must mingle in a figure eight around other dogs and handlers. NO aggression is tolerated, and sometimes the dogs are piled up on a pallet or a bench and must stay there calmly with the other dogs.

The emergency stop involves calling the dog from a distance and then yelling STOP, and the dog must stop right there.

The long down, involves ten minute stay. They cannot move more than 1 body length.

Directionals involve an imaginary baseball diamond. The directionals start at home plate and the dogs are directed to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the pitchers mound.

This is of Abby at a large multi-county disaster drill.
The SART was practicing decontamination
with the Hope AARCR dogs. It was a radiation Accident drill.

The most difficult part of the test is the rubble pile. Dogs start learning to use their nose with barrel work. Several large barrels are lined up. There is a human in one barrel and when they sniff out the person, the lid pops open and a toy comes out and the dogs play. This translates to finding a scent in a pile of rubble.

No food is allowed in testing. In fact in training a bag of fast food is left nearby and the dogs must leave it alone.

Many people may remember the building that collapsed on a Good Will store last June. Liberty’s sister Phoenix was the dog who alerted on the live person. She barked for two hours until all the building materials were cleared away and the person was rescued.

Liberty’s test involved finding five live victims on two different rubble piles within 20 minutes. Air currents can make this process more difficult. She does not track scent, she catches the scent in the air current and follows it.

Abby taking a break!

This work is not for everyone. It can be wet, dirty and gross. Generally, no heat or comfort. At Hurricane Katrina the Pa TF1 K9 teams slept on tires in a tire store. At super storm Sandy, they slept on a  concrete floor. Utilities are generally off. No heat, water, or electricity. Sanitary facilities can involve a bucket, toilet seat and plastic bag.

Yuck this is not for me. I did want Abby to get involved in disaster work. Abby is a Hope AACR dog. In the past there was a Hope AACR team in this area who promoted this as an organization for mental health professionals. This is not true. Our past president is an engineer. Our current Regional Director is a dog trainer. Good people  with experienced therapy dogs are candidates for Hope AACR. Hope AACR dogs are certified working dogs, with the rights and responsibilities  of certified working dogs. They may be tax deductible. They may fly in the cabin when traveling to an event. The certification process involves an assessment, and then a workshop. The assessment is similar to the KPETS' evaluation with lights, sounds and chaos that might be found at a disaster scene. The workshop is three days of education involving the disaster scene, transportation drills and role playing at a disaster.

Hope AACR teams do not self deploy. Requests go to Regional Director and teams deploy. The teams do not go during the disaster, but later during the recovery. Last year Hope teams went with the Salvation Army after Super-storm Sandy and comforted people during the FEMA paperwork process, and while Salvation Army distributed hot drinks and warm blankets.

Hope AACR teams are trained in crisis response. These visits may be unpredictable as compared to therapy visits. However, when we visit our KPETS clients, think about it -  most of these people may be in crisis.

• elderly person, moves out of home into a room or shared room in a facility.
• people in ER or hospital with sick loved one
• Hospice patients
• person in rehab after a stroke or accident

My job in healthcare does not allow me to take off and go to a disaster. Abby and I are members for Lancaster CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management). When first responders are exposed to a traumatic event, counselors and peers are sent to do a debriefing and defusing of the event. This is a counseling event. The dogs are present either before or after the counseling to help relax and calm the first responders involved. Again, Hope AACR teams do not do any mental health work. The dogs are comfort dogs. It always amazes me at CISM training. These big burly firemen or police officers come up and snuggle and pet my little poodle.

We are also members of our fire department support group. If this group is sent to a lengthy fire call, Abby and I will go as well.

These other organizations are in addition to our KPETS work. We still love our local visits. In fact, for Hope AACR 12 therapy visits per year is required.

If any Kpets teams are interested in either organization, here is some additional information.

Live Human Scent dog: Handler must train with PaTF1 K9 team for six months before starting a dog. Typically dogs are started at eight weeks of age, and must be 18 months old to take the FSA (1st test). Contact Amos amoose56@aol.com if interested in this. PaTF1 needs volunteer victims. The dogs get used to the same victims, and need variety. The team often trains at HACC.

Hope AACR.org is  contact for membership information. There will be two workshops next year. Indiana and Texas. There are only two teams left in the Mid-Atlantic area. Abby and one other dog, who is a senior dog (age 12+). I have made contact with CISM and CERT, but I cannot handle the requests for help alone.

Thank you!
Trish Hess

Maxwell retires after 7 years of service

KPETS will miss retired Maxwell, as will the children he visited. See Carol Johnston's email below in reference to his retirement dud to health issues. 

I am just writing to let you know that I am formally retiring Maxwell from being a KPETS therapy dog. We have enjoyed every moment of being part of KPETS and I cherished the opportunity to share the gift of Max with others.     He is such a special little dog with a great big heart who will tilt his head and lift his ear to listen to whomever is talking or reading a "dog" story to him even though we have heard nearly every dog book ever written!   Max and I will miss library time at the Manheim Twp. Public Library.  

I truly feel that KPETS has helped to shape him into this little gift from God by meeting the many people he did throughout the last seven years of our service.     I found KPETS through a random online search when I was told that Max was NOT flyball sport material because he had too much of a mind of his own and that he would rather visit with everyone than be told how to chase a little yellow ball!   The creation of KPETS has touched so many people in so many different ways and I thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.

God Bless,

Carol Johnston and Maxwell

Misty Has Retired

Here is Misty today, relaxing with her daughter, Calli.    

One day in the park we met another Golden owner, and KPETS team, Susan Hamberger and Max.  Susan told us about the organization and soon we were sold on Misty becoming a KPETS dog since she had the perfect temper for the position.  Misty was certified on October 18, 2010  and visited the Lutheran Home in York on Sprenkle Drive, usually accompanied by our good friends, Susan and Max.  Misty always seemed to perk up when her yellow KPETS scarf was put on.  She loved her "job".

In  November of 2012 Misty developed canine vestibular disease, which causes vertigo.  She improved over the course of about 6 weeks, but occasionally had some irregular eye movements.  Then, in May of 2013 we discovered lumps in her neck similar to when human's have swollen glands.  The vet tested and confirmed that Misty had lymphoma, and said she probably developed it at the beginning of the year.  The prognosis was 2 to 3 months if left untreated.  With chemotherapy, Misty's life could possibly be extended 6 to 12 months.  The chemo would we administered a total of 5 times every 3 weeks.  Since Misty was acting pretty healthy for her age, we could not just sit and wait and watch her go downhill.  We would rather that she die of old age than let cancer take her, so she started receiving chemotherapy treatments on May 17.  After the first treatment Misty had only minor side-effects.  However, after each successive treatment, the side-effects were more intense and recovery took longer.  After the fourth treatment on July 26, Misty had to be hospitalized for dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.  At that point we said "no more" since the side-effects were becoming more life-threatening and Misty's quality of life, which we were trying to preserve, was deteriorating.  She has since overcome the side-effects of chemo and is acting more like herself, but still takes medicine for arthritis which she has had for a few years.  Presently, Misty is spending her retirement by resting and enjoying her food, her treats, the outdoors and many hugs and kisses.   We love her dearly, and are enjoying the time we spend with her each day. 

Thank you, KPETS, for the experience of helping to brighten  lives.  Misty enjoyed giving love as well as getting much love in return. 

Sincerely,    

Barb and Craig Graver

and of course, Misty

This picture was given to many of Misty's clients at the Lutheran Home
 with "Love, Misty" on it. 

                                         

Through Canine Eyes And Angel Heart

As I accompany my canine partner to meet and visit with new and known friends at the Dove House, there’s not a time that I haven’t looked up and given thanks for the opportunity to just be there.  After every visit, I give a big hug and warm, heartfelt “thank you” to my pup for just being her.  She is an angel dressed in her fluffy, soft, fur coat no matter what the local weather forecast.  She is there to ‘be’ and ‘be with you’.  

Since every visit is very personal and I’m simply the observer, I will try to share with you my experiences through words, which is a difficult task because I’m trying to translate the tiny miracles I see happen by just ‘being’.  Whenever we visit, as the human guide, I tend to be parochial and functional in my activities.  I greet the staff at the front door and head to the volunteer desk to sign us in and see the patient census.  From canine eyes, my pup is scanning for the 1^st person she sees to approach and ‘say hello’ canine style.  She pulls her ears back, squints those baby blues, tucks and swags her fluffy tail and smiles as she’s pet and greeted by the human.  As I’m taking care of the administrative requirements, my pup smells the flower arrangement, looking for humans to interact with and faces toward the patient rooms and nursing station. 

As we proceed down the hall she’ll head for a room and I will let her know we have to ask before we visit.  She happily trots to the nursing station where there is always a gentle soul ready to smile and pet her while they compliment her.  She will look at me at just smile as I brag about her but she’s on the lookout for the staff member coming down the hall with the restock cart.  She looks in that direction, as if she’s says, let’s go, my turn to share my perspective on puppy love!  Off we go to greet the staff member who beams and she has a few moments of joy visiting with the pup.  Depending on the circumstances, sometimes she’ll do tricks for the staff and my pup focuses on them so for that moment in time, the connection is clearly between the two care-givers, pure unconditional love.  From where I’m standing, around 5’3, it’s exhilarating!  We all get a minor energy feel-good boost, those endorphins are 100% all natural, no bi-products or artificial ingredients!

As soon as the staff lets us know what rooms to visit, we approach the door and I will ask if they would like a visit from the pet therapy dog.  As soon as we hear YES, we proceed in and she decides the order, it’s usually very methodical and she visits everyone in the room.  If the human is putting off a ‘no thank you’, my pup will look and proceed to the next human.  She always approaches the patient in the bed and will put her head where they can pet her easily.  Sometimes she’ll concentrate on the family member by the bedside or one clear across the room sitting quietly.  As long as there’s no objection from the human, I let my pup follow her intuition and reach out to the humans as only a canine is capable.  No words, no inhibitions and no judgments.  If the human is not engaging, sometimes she’ll stay close but not interact.  Sometimes she’ll look at wag until the human breaks the silence with a sigh or a gesture or a tear, and then she’ll come close to share the power of touch.  The therapeutic value in a petting behavior seems to have a calming effect on both human and canine.  This is especially intense when seen by patients under sedation or with brain injuries and where puppy patience is priceless! 

Since we encounter family members, my pup is able to elicit stories about family dogs or humorous stories related to the family member and a dog.  We have been privileged to be present as a loved one died and ‘be’ with the family as the deceased family member was being transported to the funeral home.  My pup functioned as a distraction capable of taking the human mentally away from an awkward situation for a moment of non-structured time with an emotional sense of relief. 

One family approached us with some rather mixed emotions and hesitations.  The family included, a mother, father and older teenage daughter.  The mother stated she was afraid of ‘big dogs’ and the daughter exclaimed that my pup was her ‘favorite breed’!  The father stood close to his wife and appeared to enjoy my pup and remarked what dogs he had as a child.  My pup visited the daughter with pep in her step but sat beside the mother and slowly looked up at her and waged her tail as the mother pet her for several minutes remarking how gentle and sweet she is for a ‘big dog’.  Then the father knelled down and hugged my pup for a minute of emotional bonding.  Dispelling those ‘big dog’ misconceptions is part of our duty.  Dogs are like humans, no two are alike; some are good communicators, others lack the skills; and some exhibit socially unacceptable behaviors while others are noble members of society.  Besides, we all experience times that we just don’t reflect our normal disposition and that anomaly is an unpredictable reality.

The children are excited to see the pup and enjoy seeing the tricks she performs.  My pup really enjoys working with children and will listen to them when they ask her to perform tricks.  The grandson of one patient met my pup and he watched her do tricks and laughed.  He enjoyed the time so much that he found her walking down the hall and came to us and told me he wanted to have his ‘new friend’ do some tricks.  Needless to say, she was thrilled to see him seek us out and she responded in kind like his new BCFF (Best Canine Friend Forever)! 

She has enabled countless children and adults to relieve themselves of fear of dogs from just ‘being’ with them for a few minutes.  She has learned to look and smile at the camera and has found her way onto many iphones, sometimes solo, but usually with the new BHFF (Best Human Friend Forever) beside her.  It doesn’t matter how long the interaction lasts, it’s about that connection that happens, which imprints the human heart with the message, ‘YOU are Worthy of Unconditional Love’.  This is not a tangible good or something you can buy, it’s an emotional experience that can happen when you least expect it through means you least expect.  My pup knows no boundaries with her love and respects those disinterested in her presence.  She never displays dissatisfaction or disapproval; she is simply happy and friendly and loves to ‘be’.

Since stress is invisible to the human eye but we can feel the presence all around us, my canine is very sensitive to positive and negative stress.  Sometimes she’ll tell me it’s time to go- now.  I trust her and listen to her when she gives me the ques.  My pup doesn’t come with the human bias that shrouds me.  I may think a person is quiet because they need privacy whereas she may understand through canine, unspoken language, that it’s time to sit and wait.  I may think someone wants us to relax and stay, while she understands  they’re tired and the visit is over with that person and it’s time to go visit someone else.  I marvel and humble myself when I acknowledge that she is a brilliant communicator and never says a word!

Every day presents a new opportunity to meet a new friend and strengthen our established friendships.  Our time is spent being there and saying so much by saying virtually nothing at all.  Regardless of role or station in life, we invite new experiences by visiting everyone in our path and all those kind enough to allow us the privilege to walk on their path, even for a brief moment in time.  

As an educated adult, I can only say, no academic training has equipped me with the ability to understand the wisdom of just ‘being’, wheras this is a natural talent for my pup.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to devote myself to the stewardship of volunteerism and be the designated driver for my pet therapy dog who performs tiny miracles every day.  Touching lives one paw at a time, never speaking a single word, yet leaving profound, everlasting memories in the hearts of those she meets.

Hospice Patients Find Unconditional Love in Caring Canines

Sounds of laughter, chatter and even song could be heard from the room of Hospice patient Marguerite Hunter at Sunrise Senior Living in Annapolis Monday afternoon.

The joy wasn’t brought about by a comical TV show or even people really—it came from a dog named Hailey.

Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat in Davidsonville recently teamed up with Hospice of the Chesapeake for its Caring Canines program. The goal of the program is to enrich the lives of those in the community who are suffering.

“I started Caring Canines with the mission of partnering with local organizations and teaming them up with pet therapy teams, so they could provide a peaceful presence and unconditional love to people in need,” said Dogwood Acres owner Audrey Reichardt.

About a year ago, Reichardt started Caring Canines to serve as a bridge for companion teams that either needed certification, or needed help finding an organization to work with. Now, Dogwood Acres has seven certified pet therapy teams.

Therapy dog Hailey and her handler Dee Muskin visited Sunrise Senior Living on Monday to spend time with Hunter, a Hospice patient. From the moment Hailey walked in the door, Hunter began sharing memories of her days on her uncle’s farm.

Hunter spoke of the animals she cared for when she was a kid, and even sang tunes to Hailey while she petted her.

Hospice Healing and Arts Coordinator Johanna Boyer said the Caring Canines program offers a therapeutic aspect to patient’s lives.  

“It just offers that unconditional love of a dog,” Boyer said. “It’s just the way [the patients] smile—the way they light up when they see the dog. You could see that with Ms. Marguerite…Just seeing that smile gives you goose bumps.”

Dogwood Acres Caring Canines program also works with the YWCA of Anne Arundel County, offering support to victims of domestic violence.

But it was being involved with Hospice patients that made Hailey’s handler, Muskin want to get involved.

“About two years ago my aunt was in hospice and my aunt loved [Hailey],” Muskin said. “So I took Hailey in and the first thing she did was put her paws on the bed and lay her head down so [my aunt] could pet her. While we were in that facility people just loved her.”

Hailey’s ability to help Muskin’s aunt in her time of need inspired Muskin to become involved with dog therapy, so the pair could continue to help others in need of a little unconditional love.

“It has been shown over and over again the healing these dogs can provide just by being there,” Reichardt said. “It really is a universal thing, and there is just something about that, that makes it so unique.”

For more information on volunteering with Caring Canines or with Hospice of the Chesapeake visit their websites. 

A Special Day for
Jill AND her friends! 

- by Nancy Dixon

As April 14th approached, I began to think about Jill's eleventh birthday.  With each year we cherish the time with her even more.  My thought process began  with "let's celebrate",  and progressed to "maybe a birthday party ."  The next question was "where would we have the party?"  At home would be nice, but where could  we share Jill's party?  Of course!!!! Jill's special friends that we  have visited every Monday for the last year and and half!  Colonial Manor Nursing Home!   The residents there wait faithfully every Monday for their Jill visit.  They have photos of her in their rooms, save morsels  off their lunch trays to share with her, and on occasion even have heated discussions over who  she likes best on any given day.   Perfect place!

After receiving permission from the Activities Director and assuring her that I would take care of everything, the planning began.   As with most things I do, it got a bit out of hand.  If one balloon was good, then  forty would be better.  The same with streamers, table decorations, and of course we needed cupcakes and ice cream with special birthday plates and napkins.   Everything grew from there, and the wonderful folks at Colonial Manor jumped right in to help.   Jill needed a birthday cake and a festive  collar.  We needed a piano because by now everyone knew about the party and was getting very excited.  They were making birthday cards for Jill and practicing the Happy Birthday Song.

Finally, April 14 arrived and the decorating began.   Excitement was high at Colonial Manor to say the least!!  The party began and was a huge hit.  Jill celebrated her birthday with 65 of her special friends, most in wheelchairs, but all with smiles on their faces.   The Happy Birthday Song was perfect, the cards were touching, and Jill even enjoyed licking the last  drops of ice cream off of  a few plates.   As the residents left the party,  I noticed several were clutching the special party napkins as keepsakes.     Yes, this was the perfect place. The residents are still talking about the party, and I will never forget the joy  that was in the party room that day.   I think Jill was even smiling.

 

Nancy Dixon and Jill

The Un-Scheduled Pet Therapy Moment - By Diane Rima

Sometimes Pet Therapy Days are scheduled appointments ~~ sometimes not.  And the “sometimes not” days are often some of the most memorable.  Whether planned or unplanned, one thing is always true,    Chester and I receive a kazillion times more than we give. This is the joy of  Pet Therapy and volunteering with KPETS.

On this particular day, Chester, my 4 yr old Golden Retriever and I, loaded up in the car and began a 40 minute drive to meet one of our scheduled appointments.  About 15 minutes into the drive I got a call, so I pulled over, took the call, and discovered sadly,  our appointment had been cancelled due to illness.  Bummer.

Rather than head home, Chester and I stopped in at nearby coffee house where doggies are always welcome.   It is kind of a funky place, (think 70’s and Hippies), very fun and as I said, pup friendly.  As fate would have it, just inside the front door, three women sat together having coffee  They were absolutely delighted to meet Chester and hear Pet Therapy tails. My sweet golden instantly warmed up to these sweet ladies and all of their attention.  As I talked story about the JOYS of Pet Therapy, Chester was in  heaven receiving countless head pats, ear rubs, and back massages.  They told me “Chester just made my day, we all need a bit of pet therapy, don’t we?….”

 Chester and I left the women to their coffee and conversation, and then ventured to the back garden and patio. It is here where the coffee-house-owners grow all of their own herbs and veggies and possibly other green plants that I won’t mention here.  Anyways,  seated in this patio garden was a group of traveling British Gentlemen who were so very excited to meet Chester.  More pats and backrubs for the boy. One of the men jumped into a lively conversation (you have to read this with a lively British accent and your pinky high in the air), “Oh my, is he a rescue dog?  I see he is in therapy!  I have a dog I’d like to get into therapy. ” And thus began our conversation that Chester is not IN therapy, but GIVES therapy.  I did not laugh out loud, and we had QUITE a lovely conversation.  Spot-on!

Chester, at this point, was thinking Hippie Coffee Houses were pretty dog-gone fun.  After waving g’bye to our British chaps, and heading out the door, one of the women (still having coffee) said, “Have you ever been to The Garden House?  It is a beautiful home for men and women with Alzheimer’s.  It’s just down the street.”    And so, off we trotted, around the corner and down the street.  I mean, why not?

Though unplanned and very spontaneous, we were welcomed at Garden House with open arms. We visited with the men and women in their common living area.  Many were responsive with smiles, puppy pats, and stories of their own dogs.  Things were pretty calm and mellow, until Chester spied four delicious green tennis balls attached to the bottom of a sweet little old lady’s walker.   He pawsed, he sniffed, he licked, he whined, he wagged, and then he BARKED.  Not a wimpy teensy bark, a WHOMPIN  WOOHOO let’s play BARK.  I jumped, and so did everyone else in the room --- I think we all leaked our panties (or depends), and then laughter erupted in the room.  So silly.  So good for the soul. 

From cancellations, to coffee, to quite lovely pet therapy talks, to peeing our pants with laughter, that was our day.  All unplanned (by us), but delightfully planned.   We are so blessed to do what we get to do.  Pet Therapy for all.  

How Animal-Assisted Therapy Services Benefit Cancer Patients

Animal-assisted therapy (also known as pet therapy) is one common option for improving participants’ mental – and physical – health. The therapy is popular among people with a wide range of conditions, and cancer patients are especially likely to benefit from the sessions.

After knowing their poor prognosis factors, cancer patients often find themselves dealing with feelings of fear, anxiety and depression. As the patients develop a bond with their therapy animal (and its handler), they may experience these complications on a less frequent – or less intense – basis. Often, this is the result of patients focusing their energy on a positive experience (the pet interactions) rather than the negative aspects of their diagnosis.

For advanced-stage cancer patients living in a hospice organization, animal-assisted therapy may help counteract feelings of isolation. Many patients become withdrawn or lethargic without regular interaction with loved ones; pet therapy sessions can help patients develop a bond with a familiar face. The therapy sessions often give patients something to look forward to on days that family or friends cannot stop by for a visit. In many cases, these benefits occur almost instantly. Many studies show improvements in patients’ overall mood and anxiety levels as soon as the therapy animal enters the room.

Physical Benefits

While animal-assisted therapy is best known for its emotional health benefits, cancer patients can also derive physical benefits from the sessions. Interestingly, most of the physical benefits are linked to the patient’s improved psychological well being.

The most common physical benefits include:
• Lower blood pressure levels
• More stable heart rates
• Decreased neurohormone levels
• Improved cardiovascular health

Additionally, pet therapy participants typically have a lower perception of their physical pain. This can drastically improve their quality of life, as well as their overall impression of their care experience. The pain-relief benefits may also make patients less likely to request dependency-inducing pharmaceutical painkillers.

Author bio: Faith Franz has spent nearly two years researching and writing for The Mesothelioma Center. As an advocate for alternative medicine, she encourages patients to explore all of the treatment options that could potentially save their life.