Benji The Therapy Dog
Benji is an adorable and very talented pooch whose tricks have made him a viral sensation. He’s also a therapy dog at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, but during the coronavirus pandemic, he and his owner have had to get creative to connect with the kids. In the world of viral pet videos, Benji may be worth his estimated 20 million views.
It’s not every day that you see a 70-pound dog rollerblading on its owner’s back, but should we be surprised?
The 4-year-old Bernedoodle has been spotted skiing, off-roading and even kayaking – your typical dog stuff.
“This dude has seen a lot, he’s helped a lot and he’s made a lot of people smile,” owner Andrew Laske said. “Obviously, he’s my best friend.” Laske said these adventures were all part of the plan. “I had high expectations, I did not know what I was getting myself into,” he said. “I’m a calculated risk taker. For a lot of people, it looks extremely sketchy, but I wouldn’t do anything Benji in harm.” Though a video posted earlier this week got them thousands of new followers, Laske and Benji are working for more than social media stardom – they’re giving back.
“Seeing these kids lighting up in an environment like that…”
Benji is a certified therapy dog at Children’s Hospital LA, but due to COVID-19, his volunteer visits have gone virtual.
“It’s not the same as being there in person, because we don’t get to feel all the fluff of this guy. But at the same time, and still doing something, and still giving that distraction and still bringing some smilies.” Benji is raising money on Saturday for CHLA’s Walk and Play LA, which has now become a virtual fundraiser to benefit all programs.
Between the therapy visits and now viral videos, Laske and Benji are just trying to bring a little positivity with every post, like and share during an otherwise hectic times in our lives.
“What I’ve come to see is people love to see the human-dog connection, and ours is pretty freaking cool,” Laske said.
Reducing Stress Among Medical Workers
Wearing bright yellow boots, goggles and a fluorescent green raincoat, Harley the one-eyed pug strolls the hallways of a coronavirus hospital in Mexico City, providing emotional support and stress relief to an exhausted medical staff.
The 3-year-old trained therapy dog even has his own Facebook page where he regularly posts personal messages, check-ins and links to numerous media mentions so his 900 followers can keep up to date on his activities and growing fame.
In a recent post, the dog shared drawings that were sent to him from two young children in London, thanking them for being his fans.
Harley’s owner, neuropsychologist Lucía Ledesma Torres, calls the pug her “co-therapist,” and says the dog’s two-hour daily visits have helped alleviate the “psychological, affective, and psychic stress” of healthcare personnel treating coronavirus patients at the National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre located in the nation’s capital, an epicenter of the virus in Mexico.
Harley has been providing therapy to Ledesma’s patients with psychiatric and psychological conditions for years, she says, interacting with people and drawing out feelings of empathy as they play with him.
Ledesma and her colleagues first discussed bringing Harley to the hospital to do the same in February, envisioning the tension the coronavirus would unleash in hospitals due to the overwhelming number of patients they were bound to see as the pandemic progressed.
Some colleagues immediately wanted to play with Harley, Ledesma says, noting that members of the hospital’s medical team enjoy taking a few minutes out of their day to pet and cuddle the affectionate pug, giving them a brief but welcome respite from caring for the sick and the trials of isolation from family and friends.
“We must consider the length of deprivation of physical contact we have experienced, especially among the staff on the frontlines who have been separated from their own families for fear of contagion,” she says of the dog’s appeal among doctors and nurses.
Rescue Pup Comes Online
The students in Hailey Beutler’s first-grade class at Edgemont Elementary School in Sandy received a special treat when they logged onto their Canvas online learning site on April 13. Beutler, known affectionately to her students as Miss B, shared her new puppy named Coconut in their morning meeting. The students’ responses were immediate. “There’s been a lot of, ‘He’s so cute!’ and ‘I love him!’” Beutler said.
Beutler adopted Coconut from the Humane Society of Utah where she volunteers on a weekly and as needed basis and said, “I have always loved animals, especially dogs. I’ve been looking for a while but hadn’t found one that I thought would be a good match until Coconut came along.”
The school closures because of COVID-19 was also a factor in the adoption. “Being able to stay home and train him while still working was a huge plus as far as timing went. My ultimate goal with the dog I adopted was to hopefully become a therapy dog team and visit classrooms, hospitals and nursing homes.”
Beutler, a Draper resident, was excited to share Coconut with her students even if it was in a different way than she would have if they were all in the classroom. She sees the importance of maintaining connections and relationships throughout social distancing and school closures.
“I’ve learned quickly in order to teach, you first need to build a relationship. A great way to do this is through sharing things that are happening in your life with your students because it makes them more comfortable and encourages them to share about their lives too,” she said. Knowing more about her students and what is going on with them, especially during these times, helps to guide Beutler’s interactions with each student and allows her to better understand their needs.
Coconut has also helped Beutler with the stress she’s been feeling in the transition from classroom to online teaching. “It’s really hard not being able to see my kids,” she said. “It’s also been stressful putting together an online course and making sure they have everything they need to succeed.”
She said watching Coconut lightens the mood with all that is happening. “He’s been a huge stress relief for me because he loves to snuggle and is such a goofball,” she said. Coconut even had his own Easter egg hunt, but he was more interested in “chasing and chewing the plastic eggs than the treats inside them,” Beutler said.
Coconut and his siblings were in a foster home until they were old enough to be adopted. Beutler says that the Humane Society of Utah tries to keep animals in their current situation if it’s a good fit by, “providing any help they can to the current owners that will help prevent them from having to surrender the pet.” Beutler said that so far 9-week-old Coconut seems like he will be a good fit for therapy work. In the meantime, he certainly is helping her first-grade Eagles feel connected and bringing them joy. Such was seen with one student’s response to the prompt: What was the best thing about your spring break? “Miss B. getting the cutest puppy ever!”
Four-Legged Visitors Brighten Up Day
A little bit of rain Thursday afternoon was not enough to keep some special four-legged visitors from brightening the days of retirement and nursing home residents.
Two horses made people smile at Regency-on-the-Lake and Tommy the therapy dog danced outside windows at Lakeshore Woods.
“It’s just a way of bringing happiness, something different,” said Carolyn Crowe, Tommy’s owner.
Usually she and Tommy have a couple different visits a day between visiting hospice homes and nursing homes and different schools, but that all came to a halt when the novel coronavirus pandemic hit.
Crowe said Tommy was used to getting all that attention and treats, so it took him a while to get used to staying in.
“He was really kind of hurting there for a few weeks,” she said.
The two have been trying to find different ways to see people while social distancing, like participating in a parade for emergency responders and a Mother’s Day parade in downtown Port Huron.
It’s hard to put hand sanitizer on a dog between every room in a nursing home, so they probably won’t be able to do visits like that for a while, Crowe said.
But they can do outdoor things, like obedience and agility tricks and window visits.
Katie Greene, life enhancement coordinator at Lakeshore Woods in Fort Gratiot, could be seen waving to Tommy through the windows on Thursday. She said they can’t let anyone in the building right now and this is the second-best alternative.
Staff have to get creative with ways to entertain the residents with the pandemic happening and when a visitor like Tommy comes, the residents “instantly light up,” Greene said.
“I think having that contact with the outside world kind of helps,” she said.
They couldn’t open the windows, but residents could be heard “ooing” and “ahhing” at Tommy through the windows during his visit.
“It’s definitely a nice break in the day,” Greene said.
Sandra Ball, activity director for Regency-on-the-Lake in Fort Gratiot, said residents are missing their therapy dogs, which is why they brought in the horses on Thursday.
These visitors give the residents something to see besides the workers’ faces behind a mask, and they try to brighten up their days as much as they can, she said.
Ball said they’re encouraging anyone who wants to bring an animal to call and ask to set it up. She would love to have someone bring a pig or calf to Regency on the Lake for a visit.
Even if it’s someone who wants to play music or do magic outside the windows, they can, Ball said.
She said the residents have to remember there’s more to the world and having a visitor like an animal does that.
“They love it, they brighten up, they’re happy, they talk about it for days,” Ball said.
Crowe said she loves visiting places, and might get more from it than the residents do.
She said this pandemic has been hard on all therapy dog people, whose mission it is to share these dogs they love with people.
“If we can get that one smile, we’re happy,” Crowe said.
Popular Breeds For Emotional Support
Finding emotional support can be as simple as spending time with the right dog breed. Dogs provide humans with unconditional love and companionship and can put a smile on your face no matter what you’re going through. If you need a little extra emotional support (and from time to time, who doesn’t?), consider finding it with one of these popular dog breeds for ESA’s.
Retrievers:
The most popular breeds of retrievers are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Known for their patient and friendly natures, retrievers make exceptional emotional support animals. They’re also well suited as family pets.
German Shepherds:
These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and enjoy engaging with their human friends. With enough training, they can thrive with humans in public spaces. German shepherds also want to have a job and do well as working dogs. The breed is loyal, easygoing and approachable.
Collies:
With the appropriate training and attention, collies can give emotional support to people who need it. This dog is sensitive, peaceful, and intelligent. They appreciate a calm environment without loud voices or frequent tension. As herding dogs, collies are quite active and highly trainable.
Chihuahuas:
By learning to socialize at a young age, Chihuahuas can give humans vital emotional support. Bring this small dog breed along for easy on-the-go travel. Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise and can be wonderful family pets when treated with respect.
Spaniels:
Spaniels can provide emotional support because of their friendly temperaments. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for example, loves to cuddle with humans and take pleasant strolls. This small to medium-sized breed has a silky coat and can be found in many colors, looking almost like a live stuffed animal.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Humans tend to report Yorkshire Terriers as being devoted but feisty creatures. This toy dog breed is a loving companion who wants plenty of attention. Anyone who wants to dote on a dog will appreciate this trait. Giving love to an emotional support animal can sometimes be even more healing than receiving it.
Corgis:
Corgis are highly trainable, intelligent, and affectionate. These comforting dogs need plenty of physical activity and mental exercise to be healthy. Corgis are playful, bold, and protective. They do well with adults and children of all ages.
Irish Wolfhounds:
The sensitive nature of the Irish Wolfhound helps him understand your feelings. This dog is a natural protector and very sweet-natured. Although Irish Wolfhounds are staggering in size, they can be cuddly as well. This easygoing dog can make you feel safer than ever.
Pugs:
Pugs get along particularly well with kids, but every age can benefit from their support. Pugs are energetic and cute, and with the proper training and socialization, you’ll also find that they are intelligent and sociable.
Great Danes:
This “gentle giant” is people-oriented and eager to please. A Great Dane’s height may be intimidating at first, but they get along with children and love humans in general. This dog is all heart. They’re reserved, love to play, and are devoted to their families.
Beagles:
Cheerful and affectionate dogs, beagles love to spend their days with people. Children and adults alike love this compact pup. These dogs are even-tempered, loyal, and happy-go-lucky. Beagles are also very active and can spend hours playing outdoors.
Poodles:
Poodles may be somewhat high maintenance, but they get along well with children. In addition to this, they have a longer lifespan than most dog breeds and easily adapt to different environments. Socialization is second nature to one of the cutest dog breeds around.
Great Pyrenees:
This exceptionally large dog is calm, smart, and patient. The Great Pyrenees is skilled at reducing human anxiety; the breed is patient, affectionate, and well-mannered. Adults and well-behaved children can generally make fast friends with this protective animal.
Consider enrolling him or her in obedience class, or ask a behaviorist any questions you may have. No matter what, be sure to treat your dog with the respect she deserves. She’ll be more likely to return your kindness with lots of doggy kisses and tail wagging.
Harley, The Therapy Dog
Psychologist and neuropsychologist Lucia Ledesma Torres puts protective equipment on to her dog Harley to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, in Mexico City, on May 13, 2020. Harley, a three-year-old Pug puppy, is part of the psychiatry and psychology service of a public hospital assigned by the government to care for patients with the coronavirus. As a co-therapist, Harley gives support and emotional assistance to doctors and nurses who have already spent at least 50 days in the first line treating patients with COVID-19.
Winnipeg Therapy Dog
They’re big paw prints to fill, but the owner of a longtime therapy dog at St. Boniface hospital is looking for a new pooch to take on the job.
Rusty, George Ames’ previous dog, was a beloved, bespectacled staple at Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Hospital, completing over 2,000 hours of service to patients and visitors before his death in February at age 17. Ames took to social media Thursday to put a call out for a new dog to take on Rusty’s therapy work.
In a ‘dog wanted’ post on the online marketplace Kijiji, Ames said he will train and register Rusty’s replacement as a therapy dog.
“If you know of a handsome, well behaved very calm dog, 1-4 years old, 40-60 pounds, that needs a loving home, please contact me,” Ames said in the post. Competing with Rusty’s legacy in Winnipeg might be a challenge, as the dog has a social media following with thousands of fans, even after ‘crossing the Rainbow Bridge.’
“The loss of a friend like Rusty is large,” said the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation’s Vince Barletta, after the dog’s death from cancer earlier this year.
“All of the visiting, wide-grinned smiles, and tail wags Rusty gave throughout the years meant so much to so many. Our donors are thankful to Rusty, as are we. He was, and will remain, a gift.”
Therapy Dogs Working
Many non-profit organizations have hit pause and that includes KPETS, an animal therapy organization.
The Central PA collection of volunteers suspended all activities back in March.
They say that the future is uncertain as efforts to social distance continue.
“Now it’s thinking about what is ahead,” KPETS Volunteer Darlene Graham said. “What is ahead for us? How are we going to be able to continue with the mission of taking the therapy dogs around? We have other therapy animals as well too, so it’s just a whole new idea for us.”
Volunteers say they’ll likely need longer leashes and masks going forward.
The group does live Zoom calls and posts social media videos to help patients at area hospitals.
GPBR Service Dog
It’s been a few years since the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors was introduced to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, but their partnership continues to grow.
The GPBR recently began sponsoring its fourth service dog with the organization, which provides specially trained dogs to veterans and first responders who have post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, glucose imbalance, mobility issues and more.
The local realtor board began its longterm commitment to Guardian Angels by first sponsoring GP, named for Grosse Pointe, along with The War Memorial and private community donors. Since then, the GPBR has sponsored Mack, named for Macomb County, and Sterling, named for Sterling Heights.
Sponsorship of its fourth dog, Harper, named for Harper Woods, began late 2019.
While admittedly the outbreak of COVID-19 has put a damper on sponsorship efforts, GPBR members regularly provide funds for Guardian Angels, CEO Bob Taylor said.
“Additionally, one of our members held a Halloween party last year, which kicked off our fundraising for Harper,” he added. “The proceeds were $10,000. This year, if willing, we will raise the balance to complete the funding for Harper.”
It takes approximately $25,000 to train a dog qualified to be a Guardian Angels service dog. Expenses include 24/7 care, food, shelter, specialized training and the cost to bring the identified recipient to meet the dog and train, Taylor said. “These dogs are provided at no cost to the recipient,” he added. Harper still is in the training stages at Guardian Angels, based in Williston, Fla. As Taylor explained, “From birth until about 18 months, puppies go through general training. Over that time, trainers access the skills of the dog, allowing them to create a ‘best fit’ when it comes to placement. Harper’s training will only be complete after a recipient has been identified and they train together. On average, this whole process takes 24 months.” “Additionally, in a time when so much of our charitable giving goes toward causes, a search for a cure, etc., all of which may get ‘fixed’ someday, the placement of the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog with a recipient provides an almost instantaneous result,” he continued. “We had one member so moved by the story told by a recipient’s wife, he wrote a check out for $5,000 and he is usually most skeptical. When we — all of us — contribute to a pairing, we give a significant other back a loved one, a father or mother back to children, a son or daughter back to parents and a neighbor back to a community. There is little we can do anywhere that accomplishes this and for no more than a few dollars per person. We owe our way of life to these people.”
Blind Therapy Dog Brings Joy
As nursing homes and assisted living facilities are not allowing visitors to protect a vulnerable population from the coronavirus, those that offer pet therapy are getting creative to allow special four-legged friends to keep visiting.
Therapy dog Baby has visited Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids for more than 6 years and has been through her fair share of storms.
“She has been through a lot with the loss of her eyes and she has hearing loss as well. She’s a cancer survivor and she’s had some other issues,” said Baby’s mom Pat Ward.
Over the years she’s built up a relationship with the residents.
“She’s our elf at Christmas time, our fireworks on the forth of July. She’s our St. Valentine on Valentine’s Day, so she’s always here,” said Human Resources Director Stephanie Hall.
So when the senior care facilities closed to all visitors because of coronavirus, Ward knew they had to find a way for Baby to still make her visits.
“We created a way where we can just go to the windows and keep everyone safe,” said Ward.
Once a week they visit the seniors like Ellen, outside of their windows.
“Everybody loves her, yeah they do, she’s a sweetheart,” said Ellen.
Hall says the visits are also therapeutic.
“Lowering blood pressure when they’re around, the release of oxytocin for our physical healthy, mental health, it reduces boredom, depression, anxiety,” said Hall.
