Official Photographer - Bernard Wee
Offical Groomer: Awesome Pawsome
Fetch-Box Singapore
Healing Paws @ Assisi Hospice
Cory attended his
first Animal-Assisted-Activities (AAA) at Assisi Hospice last week! Earlier
this year, I made a resolution to do more volunteer work around my schedule. So
far, the Healing Paws program seems to fit the best as it allows me to schedule time out to spend with Cory. *Cole is not suitable so for now, it is the SOSD FLAG DAY*
Do pardon for the
lack of pictures as guidelines state that the faces of beneficiaries cannot be
show. Also, the main focus was to interact with the beneficiaries, while
ensuring our furkids are on their best behaviour. However, I will see how to
work something out for future sessions.
How did it the
session? Read on…
THE WONG DOGS
EXPERIENCE
As it was after
lunch, some of the participants were experiencing a little food coma. But those
who love animals, their eyes lit up immediately when they saw Cory and Napoleon (Owned by Sheen and Eugene) walk in. It was heartening to see them hug, stroke and massage Cory while they revealed
stories when they owned pets. From loyal kampong dogs to collecting up to 10
canines at one time, there were so many to tales to be heard. Ultimately, all they
want is to have a listening ear and given some attention.
If you ask me, I
could not have asked more of how Cory performed. He was so giving towards being
hugged and even gave some of the senior beneficiaries’ kisses, to squeals of
delight.
Cory’s next session?
Thye Hua Kwan Hospital!
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| Photo credit: SOSD |
AAA is not therapy
work and as such, do not follow a structured program which has to be documented
and evaluated. Instead. AAA sessions are extremely casual that are
meet-and-greet sessions at homes and institutions.
 |
| Photo credit: SOSD |
Want to get involved?
Express your interest at the Healing Paws site and you will get an update on
when the next assessment session is happening.
Labels: aaa, animal assisted activities, assisi hospice, dogsofinstasg, healing paws, miniature schnauzer, save out street dogs, sosd, volunteer
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.
.jpg) |
| 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
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