Celebrating National Therapy Animal Day

Quincy keeps a hospice patient company. COURTESY PHOTOS

The moment Quincy puts on his bowtie, he goes into work mode. His demeanor changes and his mental steadiness is locked in. He is ready for service, and nothing can take him off his goal of obeying the needs of his clients. No, Quincy is not the matière d’ at a Michelin-starred restaurant, nor is he channeling Groucho Marx. He’s a bowtie-wearing certified therapy dog for hospice patients at Avow, a Naples nonprofit hospice, palliative care, and bereavement support organization.

In honor of National Therapy Animal Day on April 30, it is both a privilege and a joy to share the profound impact pet therapy animals have within the hospice environment. As the Volunteer Services manager for Avow, I have witnessed firsthand the comfort and peace these remarkable animals bring to our patients and their families through Avow’s PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Souls) program. Among our treasured volunteers is Coleen Harrington and her Boston Terrier, Quincy, whose journey together in pet therapy has touched many lives.

Quincy is a bowtie-wearing certified therapy dog for hospice patients at Avow

Coleen, a certified tester/observer with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a nationally recognized certification organization, has been instrumental in growing our pet therapy program. Her commitment to ensuring both volunteers and their pets meet the highest standards of therapy work has been invaluable. With a background as a registered nurse, Coleen understands the profound impact animals can have on healing and well-being. “When I retired, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” Coleen shared, recalling her inspiration from therapy dogs in the hospital where she worked in Michigan.

Quincy’s story is one of resilience and purpose. Rescued from a shelter in Kentucky, he has been a therapy dog for more than seven years, showcasing the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Coleen’s rigorous process for certifying therapy animals ensures they are well-suited for the sensitive environment of hospice care. This includes health verifications, background checks, and a series of observations in various settings to evaluate the animals’ temperament and behavior.

SHULTZ

The impact of pet therapy extends beyond patients to staff and families, offering a momentary escape from the challenges of hospice care. Coleen recalls the heightened significance of pet therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasizes how Quincy and other therapy animals offer peace, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to everyone they encounter who is under stressful circumstances. “It brings a sense of joy and comfort to people. It helps families in the hospice house; they’re tired and exhausted from sitting for hours, facing a huge crisis in their lives,” Coleen noted.

Quincy’s intuitive nature, signified by his readiness to work the moment his bowtie is on, shows the unique qualities of therapy animals. They possess an innate ability to provide emotional support, enabling patients to share their stories and experiences. One touching anecdote involved a hospice patient who, upon seeing Quincy, opened her eyes wide with joy, reminiscing about her own dog. Such moments highlight the therapeutic value of these interactions, bridging human experiences through the unconditional love of animals.

HARRINGTON

Coleen’s work, alongside Quincy, emphasizes that not only do these animals provide essential emotional support, but they also embody the spirit of volunteerism and community. The process of certifying therapy animals, as outlined by Coleen, ensures that each pet and their handler are well-prepared for the delicate nature of hospice care, fostering an environment of comfort and understanding. Currently, Coleen says she is the only certified tester/observer in Collier County, while Lee County has another. The next closest in the region is Miami, and all three people remain extremely busy with this growing need for therapy animal services. In 2023, Avow’s PAWS program clocked 146 hours of animal companionship with patients and is expected to do many more hours in 2024 with the addition of several new four-legged volunteers.

As we celebrate National Therapy Animal Day, let us recognize the invaluable contribution of therapy animals and their human companions volunteering in hospice care. Their service goes beyond mere presence; they bring a sense of solace, joy and unconditional love that enriches the lives of everyone they touch. Through their dedication and compassion, Coleen Harrington and Quincy represent the best of what pet therapy can offer to those in their most vulnerable moments. Their stories are a testament to the power of healing paws and the enduring human-animal bond.

If you have a pet you think has the calm demeanor necessary to become a PAWS volunteer at Avow, contact info@avowcares.org or call 239-261-4404. ¦

The post Celebrating National Therapy Animal Day first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .