Delta Society Offers Pet Therapy

By Tamara Sevigny

If you are a pet owner like me I am sure you’ll agree that your pets make you feel better. They are always there for you and offer their unconditional love. Pet owners live longer and are less lonely then non-pet owners. In addition, children who grow up in homes with pets have higher self-esteem.
There is a growing body of science to back this up, according to Maryellen Elcock of the Delta Society, a non-profit that trains therapy animals to visit libraries, schools and health facilities.
Being around pets relieves stress, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. Two such stress relievers named Harmony and Teague visit with Isis Maza twice a week, a woman with cerebral palsy. "One day while at the West Hartford Library I found out about an Agency called The Delta Society that works with people with different conditions. That’s how I met Brenda and her lovely dogs Harmony and Teague. They visit me every week and are the joy of my life. I look forward every week to their visit."
"I moved to the United States from Cuba when I was 2-years-old. While I was in the hospital my dog Bandit was given away by my mom. This added to my depression. My Dr. actually gave me a prescription for pet therapy," explained Isis. "Now my goal is to work with animals and I would love to have this dream come true. When I have a goal I am the kind of person that never gives up until this has been accomplished," she added.
Delta Society has had such a huge success nation wide, altering lives of people with disabilities, that they sometimes have a waiting list of hospitals and facilities awaiting visits.
Delta therapy dogs are obedience trained and most have passed the AKC’s Canine Good Citizenship test. The dogs are exposed to medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. to make sure they are able to handle the job. Both the dogs and their humans make visits to patients and therefore the human part of each team is also given a weekend of training. When the team is ready they are then evaluated by a Delta Society evaluator before being sent to any therapy sessions.
The joy that the Delta Society animals bring to the lives of others is very rewarding for everyone involved. Those who have pets that are trained in therapy know that their animals can really change the lives of others, and the furry friends love all the extra special attention they get.
"I love cats and dogs and guinea pigs. It is amazing how these visits have helped me cope with my depression and other health symptoms. I hope that my story will encourage others with disabilities to never give up because I am for sure not!"
To obtain more information on how to can benefit from pet therapy or how you can get involved visit www.deltasociety.org.