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Therapy dog

All in a (Dog) Day’s Work:Meet Some Caring & Compassionate Canines in your Neighborhood

February 22, 2020 by Robin Chwatko

It’s almost time for Armonk resident Tobie Di Pietro’s shift at The Bristal Assisted Living Facility. He stretches and gets into his uniform. As he enters the building, it’s clear that he’s a valued member of the Bristal family–he is greeted with excitement from both residents and staff alike, a small crowd has formed awaiting his arrival. Ready to get to work, he enthusiastically makes himself comfortable, curling up in the lap of one of the eager residents. Tobie is a therapy dog–an 8-year-old Havanese whose job is as simple as it is important- to bring joy, comfort and calm to the people he meets.

It is well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with pets has significant benefits to the psychological and physiological well-being of their human counterparts. Animals, and dogs especially, are said to reduce anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and encourage communication. As Tobie moves from lap to lap –27 in all–his impact is clear. Residents regale Tobie and his human partner Karen with stories of their own dogs, their grandchildren, their ailments, and even gossip about fellow residents. Smiles spread across faces as Tobie gently snuggles, stiffened hands relax with every stroke of his soft fur.

TOBIE’S PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBIN CHWATKO

Tobie: A Havanese with Heart

Karen, Tobie’s owner, is a first-time dog owner and lifelong volunteer. She contends that the level of giving she experiences through Tobie is unmatched. “Sharing this with Tobie is truly something special, magical even,” she says. “Volunteering together leaves me on Cloud Nine–we connect with people on so many levels, it’s like Tobie seems to know what each person needs.”

This is even more evident in the “Reflections” wing, home to residents in the memory care program at the Bristal. “It’s incredible that the minute they see Tobie, they can recall the name of a childhood dog, or a story about a pet they used to have,” says Karen.

Maytha Ramirez, Director of Recreation at the Bristal, agrees. “It is so important in this community to have that positivity, energy and stimulation–the dynamic changes completely when Tobie enters the room. He gets them talking and brings so much happiness into their lives and their routine.”

In addition to the Bristal, Tobie and Karen volunteer at several county libraries, corporations including Pepsi and Amscan, and women’s shelters. “Tobie is my boyfriend,” exclaims one resident, pulling Tobie closer. She winks and whispers, “He really just comes here for me.”

Maus’ PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE MEYER

Schnauzer Soothes Stressed Area Students

When Alexa Krugel was a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School, she started to feel the stress of the high-pressure, high-achieving environment. She soon came to realize that there was a lack of student-run organizations or initiatives to help alleviate this stress and address mental health issues and the stigmas that come with them. She took it upon herself to create such an outlet for her peers and called it the Mental Wellness Club. The club meets regularly throughout the school year, but around the time of midterms and final exams, they partner with the PTA for “Stress Less Week”. Open to all students, the week focuses on distracting, stress-reducing, mindful activities to allow them to decompress, including yoga, meditation, exercise and, of course, therapy dogs.

Enter a 92-pound giant schnauzer named Maus and his owner, Christine Meyer, who were participants since the club’s inception. Dogs are actually Christine’s business, as she is the owner of Wags N‘ Whiskers, a pet groomer and supply store in Chappaqua, a town staple since 1991.

“Maus’s presence was commanding, truly remarkable”, said Christine. “Physically he was just such a striking dog, people were drawn to him and had questions–what kind of dog he was, how his eyebrows grew so long–he was magnetic. He looked intimidating, but he was just a big mush.” Certified as a therapy dog at age 6, Christine says that he had no idea how large he was, and practically demanded attention, nudging closer to students, even leaning on them or sitting on them until they gave in and pet him. “Maus just KNEW what his role was. As humans we don’t necessarily know who is hurting, but dogs always do. It is a real gift to share my dog with others.”

“My favorite part of having Maus at Greeley was the sense of community he brought. I would always see students who were not friends petting him together and laughing over their common love of the dog,” said Elizabeth Mortati, another Greeley student and club member. “It was really sweet to see how Maus would lift everyone’s mood and bring students together.”

Sadly, Maus passed away this January at the age of 11. A fixture in Chappaqua and at the schools he visited, he touched and will be missed by many. His legacy will continue with his 4-year-old sister, another giant schnauzer named Freedom, who was recently certified.

Now a freshman at the University of Michigan, Alexa reflects on the positive experience and indelible impact Maus had on her and her fellow students, and what a positive addition he was to the program she started. “Maus brought so much joy- he was happy, he was comforting, and everyone loved him. He was a familiar face-people developed close relationships with him. Every time he came to the school our worries melted away for a moment.”

SKYE’s PhotoS by Lynda Shenkman

Pleasantville’s Skye Is Always Bright

You can’t help but grin when you meet Skye–a 3-year-old sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog/Poodle mix) who is a 60 pound shaggy poof of kindness, calm and love. Under all that fluff seems to be a knowing smile that, no matter what your mood, she has the power to brighten your day.

Skye’s owner Lynda Shenkman has had and loved many dogs. But the moment she met mellow, sweet Skye, she knew she was destined for therapy work. The mark of a therapy dog is its stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personality–basically Skye in a nutshell.

“We started our training with Skye early, when she was just over a year old,” says Shenkman. “It was clear right away that this was her calling, she knew right away what she needed to do. The minute she puts on her vest and bandana, she knows it’s time to work.”

Therapy dogs may be trained by just about anyone, but must meet set standards and be tested  to be certified and registered and actively participate in a program.

Skye works primarily on college campuses and libraries–where kids build confidence by reading to her. She makes private home visits and is a popular resident of Pleasantville, where she can be seen getting pets and snuggles from neighbors on the street. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on-duty.

Skye recently made her first trip to hospice, visiting a woman who had not spoken or communicated in days. Yet, the minute Skye entered the room, her eyes lit up, and she was even able to pet her once Skye every so gingerly offered her sweet, furry paw.

Sometimes, it seems, you just need a helping paw.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Animals, Calm, Caring, Comfort, confidence, Dogs, Havenese, Helping Paws, Joy, Reduce anxiety, Therapy dog

Reading has Gone to the Dogs

August 14, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Eight-year-old Marielle of Briarcliff Manor never misses an opportunity to read to Too Tall.
Eight-year-old Marielle of Briarcliff Manor never misses an opportunity to read to Too Tall.

Since I was a puppy I have heard people say to my owner, “Maggie should be a therapy dog.” Because I am small, calm, very gentle with children and a hypoallergenic poodle they thought that would be a good job for me.  And I like to have people pet me.  My owner said that these dogs visited hospitals, elder care centers, schools and other places to help people feel better and happy. Then I heard about a therapy dog that has children read to him at the Chappaqua Library. I thought this was really a great thing since I love when my owner, who is a former School Librarian, reads to me. So I contacted Miriam Budin, Head of Children’s Services, to find out about their program Short Tales for Too Tall.

Children sign up for a fifteen-minute session to read to Too Tall, a retired rescued Greyhound racing dog. Accompanied by his owner, Anne Quick, Too Tall listens to each child read either a book of their choice or one that the library provides. “We’ve had a number of different therapy dogs over the past ten years and have structured the programs in a variety of ways, but we’ve come to feel that a private session with the therapy dog feels extra-special, even though it limits the number of children who can participate” says Budin. “The response to Too Tall, a particularly elegant, gentle and gracious dog has been wholly positive.”

When Quick, a Young Adult Librarian adopted Too Tall, she immediately began to train him as a certified therapy dog as well as a  R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dog). Too Tall told me he likes the children reading to him and especially enjoys the treat they give him at the end of the session. “Even though it may look like I am sleeping with my eyes closed, completely relaxed with my head in the child’s lap, I am paying attention,” says Too Tall. “I have a vivid imagination and close my eyes to picture the stories being read to me.” And he adds that Quick reads to him all the time too. “Her mission in having people read to me is not only to introduce and foster a love for learning and literacy, but also to share me with others and teach people what ‘greyt’ pets retired racers make.”

“Dogs don’t care if you read fast or slowly. They just like to be with people,” said Quick. A parent of one of Too Tall’s readers told me that she brings her seven-year-old son so that he has a “noncritical” listener. Her son had brought his own copy of a Henry and Mudge book by Cynthia Rylant, which is a popular series about a boy and his dog. Marielle, an eight-year-old from Briarcliff Manor wouldn’t miss a session with Too Tall, “I love reading and I love dogs!”

Too Tall can’t take his eyes off Thomas as he reads to him about a boy and his dog. Photos by Ronni Diamondstein
Too Tall can’t take his eyes off Thomas as he reads to him about a boy and his dog.
Photos by Ronni Diamondstein

Quick says she always gets terrific feedback and that the parents enjoy it as much as the kids.  “Some of our readers were afraid of dogs before meeting Too Tall. Some were afraid of reading,” says Budin. “Anne Quick and Too Tall have such an encouraging way about them that the response to their visits has been entirely positive.” Short Tales for Too Tall will continue this fall at the Chappaqua Library. Check the Chappaqua Library website for more details about this special program for children: www.chappaqualibrary.org.

Wow! All this talk about reading makes me want to sit on my owner’s lap and curl up with a good book. Then maybe I can be a R.E.A.D dog too!

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer who has worked in the US and abroad.

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

Top Hat and Tails Gala October 18th

Launching a new feature to highlight pet events, charities and organizations and am wagging my tail with joy to tell you about a special event for the SPCA of Westchester, the 11th Annual Top Hat and Cocktails Gala. This hot dog of an affair will be held at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:30PM. Step out in style with your dog for a fun evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, canine ice cream bar, animal communicator, live music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $200 per person. Well socialized dogs and their owners will enjoy this event that supports the many wonderful programs of the
SPCA of Westchester.

For more details visit

www.spca914.org.

Filed Under: Maggie Mae Pup Reporter Tagged With: Dogs, reading, Therapy dog

Rosie, The Courthouse Dog Who Made History In New York State, Passes Over To The Rainbow Bridge On November 12, 2012

November 18, 2012 by The Inside Press

Rosie, ECAD’s beautiful Golden Retriever, who became known worldwide as “Rosie the Courthouse Dog” passed away on November 12 at the age of 13. Dale Picard, co founder and Executive Director of ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, made the sad announcement about “our faithful, loving, hardworking Rose.”

“From the beginning, when she was just a pup, we knew we had something special with our own Rosa Parks who was named after the Civil Rights icon by the students at Children’s Village. She was feisty and smart. She had that knack of knowing just which child in the cafeteria was having a bad time and she would go stand next to him until he had finished his lunch. For years she spent four hours a day at Green Chimney’s in Brewster working in the speech room helping children find themselves, “Mr. Picard recalled.

It was just two years ago that Rosie came out of retirement and was dispatched to the Children’s Home in Poughkeepsie, NY, at the request of the Home’s Director, Dr. David Crenshaw. Rosie subsequently enabled one of their charges to testify in court against the man who had repeatedly abused her. Rosie was the first Assistance Dog allowed by a New York State court to accompany a witness into the witness box during testimony. In order to do this, Rosie learned to lie motionless in the confined space for an indeterminate time, using only her snout to press into the teen’s lower leg to bring calm when needed.

In addition to being a superb Therapy and Assistance Dog, Rosie was also one of ECAD’s top breeders giving them four litters. Her offspring are the living, breathing embodiment of ECAD’s Open Doors Program: among Rosie’s children are Hunter who is with an Autistic Child, Lilly and Compass who are Facility Dogs at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, FL, Stutz, the Service Dog for a retired US Army Colonel who has both TBI and PTSD. and Eli, a bomb and drug sniffing specialist.  Rosie’s good looks and strong work ethic will continue forever as a number of her children are among ECAD’s top breeders.

In honor of Rosie’s life of unconditional love and hard work, ECAD has established “Rosie’s Legacy Fund” to benefit the Open Doors Program. For more information, please visit www.ECAD1.org or www.Facebook.com/ECADServiceDogs

 

For further information contact: Patricia Robert, 917-664-8092

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: ECAD, Educated Canines, Therapy dog

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