Volunteer Spotlight
January 2009
Westhampton Pet Therapy Volunteer
ROSE COHEN & SPARKLES
Together with my beloved little dog named Sparkles I have been privileged to visit senior citizens in a residence facility and most recently we've just begun volunteering in the "Reading to Dogs" program with children. Both experiences are extremely rewarding since touching the lives of people of all ages is a gift dogs contribute without even being aware of how valuable they are.
During one visit with the seniors, an elderly woman said "I wasn't feeling well today but after petting Sparkles I feel so much better". You could see the light in the woman's eyes and the big smile on her face....priceless.
During the Reading to Dogs session recently, one little girl approached us timidly; but once she began reading her book to Sparkles you could see her relax and totally enjoy the experience. She gave Sparkles a hug as she thanked her at the end of the session and Sparkles gave her a lick to say "You're welcome."
I rescued Sparkles from a shelter eight years ago and she's best dog I've ever had. I'm still working full time although I'm about to become grandmother this spring, so as you can guess I'm no kid myself. Nonetheless, I think it's important to volunteer my time and Bideawee is a very deserving organization to donate my time with because of the wonderful work they do to help many dogs and cats in need of finding good homes.
Manhattan Pet Therapy Volunteer
JEN DAVIS
Luca came into my life 111/2 years ago from the Manhattan city shelter. From the very first day, she was just the perfect dog - affectionate, attentive, intelligent, playful, gentle. She was so mellow around kids and, as corny as it may sound, she just seemed to make people happy when we would walk down the street. So, I asked around and found out about Bideawee's pet therapy program. That was 10 years ago and we've been going to the same two facilities in our neighborhood ever since! We visit at the Cabrini Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation and Barrier Free Living, a transitional shelter for adults living with physical disabilities.
People often say, "Wow, that's so nice of you to do that," but the truth is, I get so much out of it. For one thing, I get to spend this special, set aside time with Luca every week and do something with her that she really enjoys, but I also get to share this fantastic dog with other people. It may sound silly, but it's really great for me that other people can benefit from knowing this amazing creature whom I am so lucky to have in my life. There are many times when I think I'm just too tired/busy/lazy to go on our visit, but I "drag" myself out the door and go. As soon as I am there and interacting with Luca and the clients, it just takes me out of my own head and my own world for awhile and I always feel better when I leave. And it's a truly humbling experience - to realize how much people count on you and look forward to your visit, not to mention, most importantly, to see the impact that pet therapy can have on people.
To quote a client at Barrier Free Living who put it so clearly and simply, "I don't know how she does it, but Luca always makes me feel better. I was feeling so depressed today and now I just feel better."
Wantagh Adoption Center Volunteer
ABBY EPSTEIN
Once upon a time, there was a magical dog named Missy. Missy was a white Standard Poodle, who belonged to my good friend Clare Vandewart. Clare took Missy on nursing home visits through the Bideawee Pet Therapy Program. One day I joined them on their nursing home rounds. I watched as frail freckled hands stroked her soft curls. I heard people reminisce about their long gone family pets. They cooed and sang to Missy. Some patients smiled as Missy passed by, and some just stared. Whatever the response, Missy remained serene, accepting, and loving. I was hooked! While I knew Missy had a special grace and presence, I still vowed to try pet therapy when I too had a dog.
Esther, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, came into my life as a six-month-old in December 1996. In the spring, we applied for Bideawee's Pet Therapy Program to become volunteers. Believe me, Esther was no Missy. In fact, she failed the nursing home test - too short to be petted from a bed or wheelchair, too big (and unwilling) to go into a lap, and way too rambunctious for serious empathic work. We got the "consolation" assignment - Northern Lights Vocational Training Program at the Long Island Jewish/North Shore Hospital.
Esther's not rambunctious anymore. She's 12 and a half, sometimes even sedate, but always devoted to her friends at Northern Lights. She's been there almost every week for almost 12 years. When she was young, it was birthday cakes in her honor, holiday parties with "just-for-Esther" plates of a BLT sandwich and fries, wild games of catch, turbo kissing, and lots of new people to charm. Northern Lights has changed over the years, and so, of course, has Esther. Now she snuggles on the couch, gives lots of Corgi love after a good massage or petting, a modest game of catch, and Esther's forever favorite activity -- opening cartons. Over the years she has helped several clients overcome their fear of dogs. Non-verbal clients murmur to her. She is the center's mascot. Most of all, Esther makes everyone smile.
Esther has been a joyous part of my life. I am delighted that, both she and I have been able to bring some of that unique canine-human pleasure to others. We have both made good friends at Northern Lights. I hope we have enriched their lives, as they have enriched ours.
Volunteer Spotlight - December 2008
