Bideawee Tails from a Volunteer
Size Does Not Count---or Pocket Pets as Therapy Animals by Florence Scarinci
When 12 year old Sara Kulins yearned for a furry companion, she could have no idea that the fulfillment of her wish would eventually involve her entire family in "pet therapy".
Like many young children, Sara wanted a pet. But several members of her family were allergic to cats and dogs. However, Sara, being intelligent and determined, was sure that she could find an animal that could be her friend and yet not cause the rest of the family to sneeze and wheeze. She spent many hours in the library and on the internet researching the pros and cons of canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, chinchillas, turtles, iguanas, just about everything that had fur, feathers, or scales. Eventually she discovered that rabbits are easy to keep and do not seem to provoke itchy watery eyes, running noses, or skin rashes. Additionally, she discovered that rabbits are also very quiet, can be litterbox trained, keep themselves clean, and can live outside in a hutch for most of the year. With such positive attributes for persuasive arguments, and with the promise that she would be responsible for the care and feeding of any rabbit they would get her, she convinced her parents that a rabbit would be a perfect pet for the family. Then Fate stepped in to grant her wish---in duplicate.
Not long after deciding on a bunny, Sara was at a birthday party. As she sat eating cake and ice cream, she poured her heart out to a friend, telling her how much she wanted a rabbit. The little girl exclaimed, "I know just where you can get, not one, but two bunnies!" She told her that her cousin had two rabbits and because the cousin was moving and could not take them with her, she was looking for a good home for them. Sara jumped up, ran home, and dragged her parents to the cousin's house. It was love at first sight for all of them. Oreo, a two pound black and white mini rex, and Lulu, a five pound sable beauty, came home with them that very day.
Shortly thereafter Sara began her Confirmation lessons. The preparation for Confirmation involves more than just attendance at class and memorizing prayers. Candidates must also be involved in a service project. There were so many worthy projects that would fulfill the service requirement. A local park needed cleanup. A shut-in needed meals brought to her. The church basement needed painting. Volunteers were needed for Special Olympics. At the time a Bideawee employee, who was a member of Sara's church and a neighbor, told Sara about Bideawee's "pet therapy" program. It would be a perfect way to share her love of animals with people in nursing homes who also loved animals but were no longer able to have pets of their own. The idea spoke to her heart and after having her bunnies approved for "pet therapy" she was assigned to visit Belair Care Center in North Bellmore. Because Sara was under 18 she needed to be accompanied by a parent. Soon the whole family had become involved. Mom or Dad would visit with Sara and either Oreo or Lulu. Far from being a chore, they found the visits so rewarding that now, years after Confirmation, Sara and her parents continue to visit Belair. In fact, at the center, they have become known as "the rabbit family." Coincidentally, Mr. Kulins' dad was a resident of Belair for a short time. When the family would visit him, without the rabbits, the rest of the residents would be disappointed that Oreo or Lulu would not be coming to see them.
Rabbits, like cats and dogs, must pass a test to be registered therapy animals. However, the test and the requirements are tailored to the species. Dogs have to give evidence of mastery of ten skills: accept a friendly stranger, sit politely for petting, be well groomed, walk on a loose leash, walk politely through a crowd, sit and stay on command, come when called, react calmly to other dogs, distractions, and separation from the handler. In addition dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and be free of external and internal parasites. Cats have to demonstrate that they will walk on a harness and leash and accept petting. Cats also have to have vaccinations and a clean bill of health. Rabbits need only show that they will accept petting from a stranger, and sit calmly. Rabbits do not need vaccinations. But they must be seen by a veterinarian who will attest to their health.
The Kulins have learned that many residents want to pet the bunnies but do not want to hold them in their laps. They have also learned that rabbits like to feel firm ground under their feet. In order to make visiting a nursing home enjoyable for the rabbits and the residents alike, Sara and Mr. Kulins invented a "carry/rest". Mr. Kulins cut a rabbit sized portion of a tube used in construction for concrete footings in half, lengthwise, so that it formed a nest-like, curved platform. They covered it with a terry cloth towel and attached a strap. The "carry/rest" is strapped to Sara's hand and Lulu rides in it like a queen. The residents can stroke Lulu's luxurious coat without having her sit on them and Lulu is secure and comfortable.
Furry creatures, whether they are dogs, cats, or rabbits have an almost magical ability to elicit responses from Alzheimer's patients who have been withdrawn and silent. Almost everyone who takes an animal to an Alzheimer's unit can relate a similar story. Here is the Sara Kulin's version of how just the presence of an animal can stimulate memories and speech in a person who seems to have lost both. "There was one resident of Belair who was a very nice gentleman struggling with Alzheimer's which was progressing rapidly. He could not remember people at all but whenever we came in with the rabbits, his eyes would light up and he would exclaim, 'That's Oreo, like the cookie'."
Another long time Bideawee pet therapy volunteer is Mary Ann Laronga. Mary Ann brings her rabbits, Maizie, Trevor, Buttercup, and Roscoe to Belair as well. At first she had to convince some of the residents that the animal she was carrying was a rabbit and not a cat. But very soon people would clamor for their visits. Mary Ann relates that when she walks through the door, people come to life. Eyes light up, people sit up straight. They stretch out their hands and arms to pet the warm, furry creature. Often, as she turns to leave, a resident will thank her. "You just made my day" she has heard more often than she can count. But Mary Ann adds, "Funny thing, (pet therapy) makes my day too."
If you have a dog, a cat, or a "pocket pet" who loves to be stroked and loves people; if you have time in your month for an hour visit to a local nursing home, if you want to feel that you have received more than you have given, consider having your pet tested for "pet therapy."
Size Does Not Count---or Pocket Pets as Therapy Animals
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LIFE GOES ON: Bideawee's Pet Loss Support Group
A Therapy Dog at College Teaches Important Lessons
Part 2: ADOPTING AN OLDER DOG: Joys and Challenges
ADOPTING AN OLDER DOG: Joys and Challenges
The Cat Who Changed My Life
The Lonely Cat's Best Friends
Therapy Benefits: What's In It for Me?
