– by Gillian Crowley –
Pet owners know their best friends repay their food and shelter with unconditional affection that lightens winter’s dark days. Medical research has shown that interacting with a pet can slow heartbeat, reduce blood pressure and improve one’s mood.
Not everyone who would like to enjoy a pet, though, is in a position to own one. Happily, several organizations in Greater Victoria are dedicated to connecting pets with those who will love them. Helping Homeless Cats places “congenial” rescued adult cats with both cat-loving seniors and the disabled who otherwise couldn’t afford a pet. The recipient must be able to care for a cat and keep it indoors. The organization provides the cat’s food and supplies and covers all necessary veterinary care through donations.
Volunteers say it’s heartwarming to see how the friendly cat’s arrival can put a smile on the face of a home-bound person who may be depressed. A purring cat snuggled in a lap can brighten the day and bestow needed companionship. Technically, the cat is fostered, not adopted, but the senior may keep the cat as long as they can care for it. If circumstances change, the organization takes the cat back and finds another welcoming home. Because many older seniors fear a cat will outlive them, this program gives them peace of mind. It’s also a wonderful solution for abandoned cats who find a loving home.
Those in facilities that don’t allow pets to live there full time can still enjoy the comfort of a therapy animal. Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS) was founded in 1988 by Sadey Guy, a retired nurse, who discovered how much her own dogs meant to people in care facilities. (Sadly, Sadey passed away in Sidney in November 2015.) Starting with three friends and vet, Sadey encouraged local facilities to get involved. Now through the Vancouver Island Health Authority, 380+ PATS volunteers take their own pets to visit retirement facilities, assisted living residences, group homes and other care facilities. Pets must first pass a vet-administered behaviour test and an orientation with their handlers. In 2015 this volunteer-run program consisted of 24 clinics for pet testing, and volunteers who contributed 1,000 hours visiting 200 facilities.
A different PATS initiative helps children improve their reading skills through interaction with a listening dog (and some cats). Based on a program started in Utah, Paws and Tales Literacy program uses registered therapy animals that have been trained and tested for health, safety, skills and temperament. These special pets and their owners volunteer to give children struggling with literacy skills a fun opportunity to act as tutors and helpers for the attentive dog. The volunteer is trained how best to help the child, using the pet as focus. The owner may say, “Max doesn’t know that word. Can you tell him what it means?” Without performance pressure, the child is more comfortable reading to the non-judgmental dog.
When our own pets give us so much pleasure, it’s inspiring to know that many pets can help other people, just as people can help an abandoned animal.
More at www.patspets.ca and www.helpinghomelesscats.com.
