Therapy dogs

On Sunday, I was waiting in line for the restrooms at the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge when a guy came in with the most enormous dog I've ever seen. It was a British mastiff, a bit overweight at some 240 pounds, with a "Therapy Dog" halter on. I didn't ask why he was in the bookstore, but the owner said the dog is great with his clients, including teenage girls with serious anger problems as well as younger autistic kids. The dog seemed gentle, if incredibly strong and solid.

That dog was trained as a therapy dog. My own dogs weren't naturally good at it, though as any pet, they relieved stress just by being their goofy selves. Silke, who may as well have been my flesh and blood for our close bond, was not the cuddling type and wriggled out of any embrace anytime, and just seemed uncomfortable when I was upset. K's dog Ingrid, however, has an unusual knack for inserting herself right in when you're distressed. Mind you, if disturbed when she's resting, she's known to bite any hand or nose that comes too close, and she's drawn blood, too. But, in moments of grief over my mom's passing, curled on the couch or the bed, she has more than once launched herself up and into my face, drawing cuddling, unperturbed by wailing and turning it anyway rapidly to smiles and laughter, diffusing the heaviness in varying degrees. I don't know what motivates her, and I don't ascribe human compassion to it, but wherever it comes from, it's a gift.

Meanwhile, Rolling Dog Ranch was a TypePad Featured blog not long ago, and I've become addicted to it. It's a sanctuary for disabled animals, and they have a blind horses ranch, too. God bless 'em.

Comments

[Dave]

I'm trying to visualize a 240-lb. dog. The idea of it assisting in therapy for autistic kids and troubled teens is actually quite touching.

[Roberta]

Phew! The biggest dog I've ever met was 205 lbs. It was a mastiff as well. I'm partial to the tinies myself but in the end, I adore them all.

[rr]

Ahem... that would be an *English* mastiff, I think :-)

Maizy (border terrier, 15" tall, 12lbs in weight) was attacked once by a mastiff. Or, perhaps to be more accurate, she made her displeasure at this mastiff's having its nose up her bum very clear and the mastiff then proceeded to treat her as though she were a tennis ball, chewing her and generally throwing her around. They're really scary creatures if they haven't been treated/trained properly and unfortunately around here they're often acquired for reasons to do with the status of the owner than the welfare of the dog.

I love the idea of therapy dogs. Hurrah for Ingrid :-)

[Leslee]

Dave: It wasn't so tall as massively beefy looking.

Roberta: Yeah, I prefer the smaller dogs, too. K says the vet techs and nurses at the clinic groan when they see a big dog come in that they'll have to heft onto an exam table.

RR: Yeah, the guy said "British Mastiff" so perhaps I should have put that in quotes. :-) They are scary. Glad this one was put to good use.

[Beth]

The tiniest therapy dog I ever saw was a Chinese crested hairless (you've got to Google a photo). She was a favorite at my late mother-in-law's nursing home. She was so light that she could get right into bed safely with the patients who yearned for a pup cuddle. And she made them laugh -- what a gift.

[Sara]

Awww. I expect you're going to miss Ingrid when you move. Are you looking for a place where you can have a dog of your own?

[Leslee]

Beth: I've seen those dogs, and they are very funny looking. It's wonderful that people bring these dogs to nursing homes, because they bring such joy.

Sara: Yes, I most certainly am. I'm not planning to get a dog, though, not right now. I'm going to have to keep a key and come hang out with Ingie!

[Joe]

I worked at a school that had a therapy dog come in and work with kids. The children seemed to relate and the animal liked the attention I think.

I'm considering a trip to Cambridge. I've never been and the place interests me. I know there are plenty of great book shops. Any suggestions for a day trip in mid summer? And the all important question; how's parking? :-)

[Leslee]

Hi Joe: If you go to Cambridge on a Sunday, you can park on the street without feeding meters so it's easier. They shut down Memorial Drive to traffic on summer Sundays, but you can usually find parking on Brattle St or the side streets around there to get in to Harvard Square. I'll have to think about any specific suggestions and let you know. I usually just wander! But check out the Harvard Square website for events that might be going on.

[Joe]

Thanks Leslee, I appreciate the link and the info. I'll probably just take a friend and plan for a day of wandering around. If anything special should pop into your mind let me know.

[tarakuanyin]

I found you when you found me versus mm! Thanks for commenting on my blog. I've been enjoying your photos and this entry struck me because I love dogs and could see how they could be used therapeutically. I do think they feel compassion, though it might look different than human compassion. My dogs always know when I'm upset, and will find ways to make me feel better.

[Leslee]

Tarakuanyin: Glad you came by! And thanks. It's true - as social animals, they are very tuned into what's going on with us and any other pack mates in the household. They're different in how they deal with our upsets, though, just like us I guess!