Assessment Time – SOSD Healing Paws
Today, Cory took one
step towards one of my resolutions for 2015 – that is to start involved in Animal-AssistedActivities (AAA). Interested parties had their canines exposed to a number of
situations (wheelchairs, walking sticks, rough handling etc) to see their reactions,
assessing their suitability of AAA events. Due to taking part in the assessment, do pardon the lack of pictures.
Credit: SOSD |
Unfortunately, Cole
due to his shy demeanour among strangers (that is why I did not sign him up) is
still not ready to be involved in the programme. However, looking at the
progress he has made towards strangers, I won’t be surprised if he is part of
Healing Paws’ activities in time to come.
A little
backgrounder, AAA differs from the more common practice of Animal-Assisted
Therapy (AAT or Pet Therapy). AAA are more casual and usually involve more “meet-and-greet”
activities that involve pet owners and their furkids visiting homes and
instituitions. What attracted me most is that such sessions are all-inclusive
and do not need to be tailored nor geared towards medical conditions.
Recently, research has shown AAA has helped enhanced the quality of life especially for the disabled and the elderly, providing relief from anxiety, dear and loneliness. In kids, an obedience demonstration can be used at facilities which house children/teenagers with delinquent behaviours.
Recently, research has shown AAA has helped enhanced the quality of life especially for the disabled and the elderly, providing relief from anxiety, dear and loneliness. In kids, an obedience demonstration can be used at facilities which house children/teenagers with delinquent behaviours.
That is not to say
other forms such as AAT and Pet Therapy are of lower quality. In fact, these
take more specialised curriculums and need trained professionals with the
process being documented and evaluated.
Thank you Dr. Siew,
Stasha and Maureen for the opportunity. Now, it is time to see if Cory makes
the cut!
For more information on the SOSD Healing Paws programme and how you can express interest, visit the link here.
Labels: aaa, animal assisted activities, dogsofinstasg, healing paws, miniature schnauzer, mixed breed, save out street dogs, singapore special, sosd, the wong dogs, therapy