Dog days of Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring
By: Angela Oriti Brainard
Copyright, 2016 All rights reserved
There are many different kinds of “therapies” out there to assist people in
need. I chose animal therapy.
You may wonder what led me into “animal therapy.” Six years ago, I lost my
job. Within days of that happening, I found myself at Fieldstone
Therapeutic Riding Center in Chagrin Falls, Ohio by the urge of my
husband and my love for horses. When I entered the doors for the first
time, I knew and felt I was meant to be there. Volunteering at Fieldstone
brings a calmness to my being.
About a month after that, my husband and I decided we needed a canine
member in the household. We had wanted a dog for a couple years
because we both love animals, and it seemed the time was right. Juneau
(Chesapeake Bay Retriever) came in to our lives right after Christmas of
that year.
Then, it wasn’t until I stepped into a Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center
one day that my eyes were really opened to yet another therapy…dog
therapy. A “canine greeter” approached me that day and I immediately
thought “Juneau could do this.” The following week Juneau and I were at
the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for an interview. We have been at CCF
Family Health Center for over 2 years now.
Juneau has since added additional positions to her resume which are
Nursing Home weekly visits (Alzheimer Unit) and Tail Wagg’in Tutor
Program (reading program for kids). During this time, Juneau also blessed
us with Kona, a puppy from her first litter.. Kona is almost 2 years old and
is a working canine.
Making our weekly visits to the various facilities gives me a sense of
accomplishment. I feel I am putting a smile on many faces. Somebody
giving the dog a simple pat on the head or scratch behind the ears seems
to de-stress them or “make their day.” I’ve been told by individuals that the
dog just calms them. They feel at peace.
Juneau and Kona know when they’re on their way to work. It shows in their
demeanor. They seem to go into a “zen” moment. Both dogs love to be
around people and enjoy the attention and accolades.
Having animal therapy in my life benefits me, because it’s a way of my
giving back. I feel people receive so much comfort in their presence that I
feel elated for them. I treasure my animal therapies immensely. I am meant
to bring joy to people through animals.
Training a canine for certification isn’t arduous at all. A calm, well
mannered pup is all you need.
Juneau is a Certified Therapy Dog and received her training at the Geauga
Humane Society Rescue Village in Novelty, Ohio. Also, an on-line test had
to be passed given by TDI (Therapy Dog International). Kona is not yet
certified, but 2 of the facilities we visit do not require certification.
Juneau, Kona and I visit various facilities year round on a volunteer basis. I
plan on continuing my good works with dogs and horses, and I certainly
hope that I do not have to search for a paying position anytime soon. I feel
very blessed to serve in this capacity.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries Without them
humanity cannot survive.” ~Dalai Lama
P.O. Box 39216
440-439-9599
Cleveland, OH 44139
kdmystic@aol.com
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