charitysweetlegacy

Podcast - Transforming 45

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:12:09 GMT

Creating Space for Healing with Lori Johnson

Click on the link below to go to the Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoRxB...

Animal Messages

Tue, 06 May 2025 13:32:27 GMT

Closer to the Universe

Animals share our planet with us, but experience it differently. Each has its own abilities and gifts that allow them to interact successfully with the natural world. Since we are merely one manifestation of the universe’s energy in action, we can turn to animals in nature for guidance when we feel the need for direction. Animals can show us different ways to approach and deal with our challenges.

As we hold a question in mind, we can begin to pay attention to the animal activity around us. While we stare out a window, we may notice a bird soaring high in the sky, showing us how to look at our situation from a greater distance. If we don’t get an immediate answer, we can remember that the universe has its own perfect timing that doesn’t heed the ticking of the clock. Instead, we can release our question into the universe’s care, and then trust that an animal messenger will carry inspiration our way.

In the meantime, we align ourselves with the universe’s rhythm — opening ourselves and shifting our perceptions so that at the perfect time, we will be ready. Then, even weeks later, the sight of a small bird hopping from branch to branch may signal us to use a talent other than our greatest strength and to take small leaps rather than fly over details. A squirrel bounding across an open expanse of grass to stash its latest prize may remind us to check our favorite hiding places for a forgotten treasure.

Even if we don’t see actual animals, their representations may hold messages; whether we see them in a shape in the clouds, a picture, or a show on television, their symbolic meaning is the same.

Animals are closer to the rhythms and cycles of nature and have fewer distractions from it than humans do. That is why they are the perfect messengers when we are in need of advice. Just by being themselves, they remind us of the wisdom of the universe and that all answers are available to us when we reconnect with our source and with those who know how to be nurtured by it.

Author - Unknown

Twilight Years

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:54:22 GMT

Finding Purpose in the Twilight Years

This is a different topic for me to write about and share in my newsletter. I will relate it eventually to the value of dogs in our lives and the therapeutic benefits as we dive into the twilight years in life.

It has been a time of reflection for me. I know I am not the first person to enter the twilight stage of life and I am not the first person to write about it. Each experience is so different depending on so many variables. My experience is my own unique experience and I hope that it will resonate and inspire.

I was always driven as a young child. My parents were so supportive and gave us opportunities to thrive in. The most important thing though was our education. Everything else came second and hinged on how well we were doing in school. My sister and were introduced to figure skating when we were young. We fell in love with the sport immediately. It was our passion. With that passion came what my dad said, “time management, discipline and a fit for life attitude.”

My dad believed our skating was part of our education. As an adult in my 60’s I realize just how insightful he was. So much of my drive and purpose came from the value system modelled for us by my parents. This value system served me well. I went on to university and became a teacher. I loved to teach, and my discipline got me through some tough years as a young mother, wife, and full-time teacher. It was important to us to model the same values of discipline and purpose to our children and give them opportunities that would develop this in them.

I realized how much my parents had done for us when I started doing it for my own children. Early morning hockey games, figure skating five nights a week. Hockey tournaments on the weekends. Even though it was a lot to keep up with it was our community and we developed some amazing friendships through our kids’ activities. I can honestly say these were some of the best years of our younger lives. Busy and connected to social which is good for the heart and soul. I also still loved to run and work out at the gym. On nights when my kids were doing their thing I would run to the arena, watch until I started to get chilled and then run home. I even went back to figure skating when I was 40 years old and finished my gold dances. I loved running 10 km races too. Always wanting to challenge myself.

I knew when it was time to retire from teaching that I would need to engage in something that would give me purpose. The kids were building their own lives and after having taught for so long I knew for my own spiritual wellness I would need to do something that mattered. I went on to start a charity and still feel proud of that endeavor.

Joining the team at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario gave me wonderful community and purpose and I still to this day enjoy the gym and my tribe. Volunteering is something that is in my blood and doing small things at the Association for Animal Assisted Interventions for Professionals had been a way to meet so many amazing new people and help with something that I am so passionate about. I love my little business and the work I have done around the therapy dog explosion.

I have found myself wondering how I will know when it is time to rest and that I will be enough in the twilight years. I have discovered through this reflection that being true to yourself is the number one thing to uphold. Everything I do needs to feed my soul and bring joy. I have learned that this keeps the stress away. The twilight years need not hold any space for stress that can be calculated and taken out of the equation. Of course, we have things in life that we have no control over and will bring stress. How we handle it is the wisdom we have from years of experience.

I have learned to use discretion when I am choosing what to do and not do. I have learned that choice is the key and those who respect and love you will be supportive of your choices. I have learned not to compare. As I said earlier everyone creates the twilight years that works for them.

I have become comfortable with the fact that you don’t have to decide on anything right in the moment. Trusting myself and knowing that purpose can look so different depending on the moment, the day, the month, the year, and all the circumstances that come with time periods. It can be taking the time to help someone carry their groceries to the car when they are struggling. It can be saying prayers everyday for those who need them.

I said I would integrate dogs and their therapeutic value in this post. My dog gives me purpose. She is the motivation to walk in the forest and enjoy the beauty of our world. By caring for her needs I have purpose. Her unconditional love lets me know everyday that I am important and reminds me how important self love is. She plays which keeps me young. She encourages me to chat with people we see when we are out and about. She keeps me creative as I think of ways to write about her and share her love for life with others.

We do not have to be doing something big and fabulous to be purposeful. If the universe brings us opportunities to do something big and fabulous and it feels right, then do it.

The twilight years are the gift of time. The opportunity to be at peace. The time to show up exactly as you are, authentically you.

I am not struggling with the twilight years anymore. I am embracing them. My purpose and driven nature now can be in gratitude. To embrace and protect my health and wellness. To enjoy my family and friends, pets, and beautiful places where we live. To be a part of community.

If something big and fabulous comes my way say thank you and if it feels right do it.

Therapy Dogs on Campus

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 20:57:34 GMT

Feeling Lonely on Campus - Therapy Dogs Can Help

Feeling Lonely on a Crowded Campus? Therapy Dogs Can Help | Psychology Today

Author: John-Tyler Binfet, Ph.D.

Canines, Kids, and Kindness

THERAPY

Feeling Lonely on a Crowded Campus? Therapy Dogs Can Help

On-campus therapy dog stress-reduction programs help connect students.

Posted September 30, 2023 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods

As the director of a large on-campus therapy dog program to reduce students' stress , I routinely hear, "As much as I miss my parents, I miss my dog more."

A lot is asked of students as they adjust to life on campus, and leaving behind the support and companionship of family pets can add to students feeling lonely. When students share with me that they're feeling lonely, I often tell them that the student next to them is very likely feeling the same way. In this entry, I'll argue (and have seen ample evidence ) that on-campus therapy dog stress-reduction programs can serve to foster connections for students.

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It’s paradoxical that students on college campuses report high rates of loneliness in light of the many opportunities they have to meet new people and forge social connections. Nevertheless, students aged 15-24 report high rates of “always or often feeling alone." College students, in particular, can experience heightened loneliness (a feeling describing the distress felt when one’s desire for social connection outweighs one’s actual social connections), and researchers have posited that the transition from home to campus, the change in parental support, and the establishing of new social support networks contributes to feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness has been found to compromise people’s physical and mental health , and not surprisingly, lonely students are at risk of underperforming academically . In short, feeling lonely on campus can undermine students’ learning and engagement in campus life and activities. Complicating matters, college students are known to be reluctant to seek help, often preferring to eschew more formal resources or sources of support to handle their mental health challenges on their own.

One low-cost and low-barrier (i.e., no appointment needed) resource found on many college campuses that appeals to students is the stress-reduction programs that see therapy dogs brought to campuses. Known as “ canine-assisted interventions ” or “canine visitation programs,” such programs provide students opportunities to spend time with therapy dogs and their handlers, de-stress, and connect with other students.

Animals, in general, and therapy dogs in particular, are known to be social catalysts—they bring people together who might not otherwise cross paths. Moreover, within the context of on-campus canine stress-reduction programs, the dogs do all of the heavy lifting—they draw students in and invite the students to interact. A skilled handler (the person who oversees such interactions and safeguards their dog’s welfare during sessions) will facilitate students connecting with other students. In the B.A.R.K. program at the University of British Columbia (UBC), handlers routinely ask students about their adjustment to campus, the courses they're taking, and introduce students to others within their group. Repeat visits to such programs can result in students feeling a sense of community and building their social capital by establishing connections to others.

If you’re reading this and you’re a student who’s feeling lonely, consider attending one of the dog-therapy stress-reduction sessions offered at your college. Make use of your on-campus resources, including the college's therapy dog program, and let the dog do the heavy lifting to connect you to others.

An Expert Weighs In - Melissa Starling Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:55:20 GMT

A reminder of why we LOVE dogs...

An expert’s top 5 reasons why dogs can be considered exceptional animals (theconversation.com)

Dogs are important to a lot of humans, but what makes them so?

Apart from being warm, soft and capable of inspiring our unconditional love, there are a number of unique characteristics that set dogs apart from other animals.

As a dog researcher, animal behaviour consultant and canophile (which means I love dogs), let me share five traits that I think make dogs so special.

Dogs are hypersocial

We all know those golden retriever-type dogs that appear absurdly delighted to meet any new social being. It’s hard not to be taken in by their infectious friendliness. These furry, hypersocial creatures have some key genetic differences even to other domestic dogs.

Most fascinatingly, these genetic differences are in the area of the genome associated with hypersociability in people with a genetic condition called Williams-Beuren syndrome. Although people with this syndrome experience negative health effects, they also tend to be very open, engaging and sociable.

Not all dogs fall into this hypersocial category – but even those that don’t are unusually accepting of unfamiliar people and dogs.

Unlike other social wild canids such as wolves, domestic dogs can quite happily live in harmony with different species, as well as individuals of their own species that aren’t from their family. This is what makes it so easy to slot dogs into our lives.

Dogs are wired to understand us

Humans have selectively bred dogs for many generations. And in many cases, we’ve bred them to take direction to help us in a wide variety of jobs – including being companions to us. This has led to domestic dogs being born with an interest in humans.

From an early age, puppies are attracted to human faces. While dogs are as co-operative as wolves, they tend to be submissive towards humans and follow our directions – whereas wolves are bolder and more likely to lead when co-operating with humans .

Dogs also learn to follow our gaze, and show a left-gaze bias when looking at human faces. This means they spend more time looking at the left side of our faces (which would be the right side from our perspective). This bias emerges in several species when they are processing emotional information, which shows that dogs are reading our faces to figure out how we’re feeling.

For a while it was also thought dogs were particularly attentive to human gestures such as pointing – but recent research suggests many domestic species and some wild animal species can also follow pointing .

Dogs come in countless shapes and sizes

No other species comes in such a huge variety of shapes and sizes as domestic dogs. Not even cats or horses display the same diversity.

The largest dogs may be close to 25 times the size of the smallest! Beyond that, we have dogs with drop ears and prick ears and everything in between, tails and no tails, or bob tails, short legs and long legs, long noses and short noses – and a huge variety of coat colours, lengths and textures.

Bulldogs look and sound very different to other dogs. Getty Images

For dogs, this huge variation might mean they have more to learn than other animals when it comes to understanding their own kind. For example, owners of herding breed dogs may find their dog a bit confused, or even defensive, when meeting a very different short-faced breed such as a bulldog.

For us, it means we should appreciate how the size and shape of dogs can influence their behaviour and experiences. For instance, dogs with longer noses have sharper vision, while dogs with a lighter build tend to be more energetic and fearful.

Taller, short-faced dogs such as cane corsos are usually playful and boisterous. Getty Images

Dogs form deep emotional bonds

Domestic dogs have been shown to form attachment bonds with human caregivers that are very similar to those formed between children and parents .

This may partly explain why they can read our emotional signals , why they become distressed (and try to help us) when we are distressed , and why MRI studies show dogs are happy when they smell their owners .

It may also be why they panic when separated from us. Dogs’ attachment to humans goes beyond being hypersocial. To them, we are a lot more than the food we provide and the balls we throw. We are an attachment figure akin to a parent.

Dogs’ attachment to humans helps explain why they may experience emotional distress when separated from us. Shutterstock

Dogs can help us be our best selves

Most dog owners would agree their dog brings out the best in them. They can confide in their dog and love them unconditionally – sometimes more easily than they can another human.

Dogs are playing important roles in animal-assisted therapy, where their nonjudgmental presence can be a calming influence and facilitate social interactions . They can even help children learn to read and alleviate anxiety .

Although assisting humans with their emotional problems can be a difficult task for such an emotionally sensitive species, research suggests the right dogs can rise to the task if their workload is managed carefully .

Horses are also used in animal-assisted therapy, as are some smaller furry animals. However, dogs are more portable and can remain at ease in stimulating environments such as courtrooms, schools and airports. They are uniquely placed to accompany us wherever we go.

Paws for thought

We might like to think dogs are special for some of the traits we value in humans, such as intelligence, selflessness or a loving nature. But really dogs are exceptional for simply being dogs.

They are social acrobats that can find social harmony wherever they go. They have rich emotional lives in which they co-exist with different species and can even forge bonds outside of their own species .

They are also generally tolerant of our primate ways – and good at receiving our love. And for me that’s enough.

Me too Melissa.

Therapy Cats Breaking New Ground

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:04:06 GMT

Cat Therapy is a thing...

There is so much information out there about therapy dogs and how they improve the lives of those who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy being with a canine.

It is a thing that cats provide therapeutic benefits to humans as well. More and more animal assisted interventionists are including cats in their practice.

For more info on this check out - www.petpartners.org , www.aaaiponline.org

When I think of my own experience with my cats, there is a great deal of truth to this.

The first kitten that I fell in love came about by pure accident. When I was a teenager, my friend brought a cat to my house, as she thought it needed a home. Notice she didn't take it to her house...

It ended up this was a cat with kittens ready to be born. She had her eight kittens at our home and my Mom and I enjoyed watching them nurse, grow and be ready for new homes. My Mom was a true champion of animals and she made sure all seven had good homes to live out their lives. There was one, the littlest, that I had fallen in love with. It took a lot of smooth talking and my Mom decided to let me keep him. He was jet black and one cool cat. He lived a great life and one day he just went away. We learned later that cats often will go find a quiet place to leave this incarnation without any fuss or muss for anyone who loved them.

After that my first husband and I got our first pet. A grey kitten from a pet store. We named him Mikey and we loved him dearly. He was a great pet and was there when our children were born. He also had the pleasure of welcoming a little shipoo puppy into his world. He was a beautiful soul and we were blessed to have him as part of our growing family.

After Mikey went to kitten heaven my kids really wanted another cat. I was hesitant and we didn't jump on the idea right away.

One night my husband and I were at a party and we heard something crying in the hedge when we got out of our car. There was a cat in the bush who had been injured. The friend who we were visiting was a dentist. I took the cat to the front door. He said, "Lori I am a dentist not a vet. I will get you a clean towel for the cat." We cut our visit short and took the cat to an emergency veterinarian. It turned out the vet was quite sure the cat had been hit by a car. She had spinal cord injury and needed to have her tail amputated. She had also lost the feeling in her lower abdomen and her bladder needed to be expressed manually.

The vet was so kind and did not charge us for the emergency care. We named her Noel, as it was at Christmas that we found her. We took her home and intended to care for her and love her. It was not too long in that I realized with two young children, a full time job as a teacher, and a young dog, that this might be too much for me. I made an appointment with the veterinarian to see what could be done to help Noel. I was even open to euthanasia if that was the best for her.

This incredible veterinarian decided that she would become the clinic cat. They had the medication she needed to keep her bladder from getting infected and it was no big deal for them to care for her paralysis and all that went with it. I was overwhelmed with their generosity. Our family agreed this was best and said goodbye to Noel with love to enjoy her new home.

As a teacher, I took my first opportunity to provide cat therapy as part of my writing program at school. I was teaching Grade 5 at the time. I had been telling my students all the trials and tribulations of Noel and how she was now living at the vet clinic. They came up with the idea that they would write thank you notes to the veterinarian. They wrote the most beautiful, heartfelt letters. Each letter spoke about the value of this cats life, the incredible generosity of the vet and how they had learned so much about what it means to care about something outside of themselves. We turned the letters into a laminated bound book and I took it to the vet office. I am sure it still sits on the front counter for all to see when you first go into the reception. Speaks volumes of the quality of care your pet will get at their location.

I knew this was powerful stuff. I knew the value of using that experience to motivate students to write from their hearts and be proud of their writing. I knew the importance of the social learning and being agents of global improvements. I did not know I was practicing Animal Assisted Interventions at the time. When I look back over my career as a teacher there are so many times when by accident I sought out the power of animals to teach.

So, my own kids still wanted a cat. I was okay with waiting.

One day I was working away in the house and the kids were playing out with their friends. I heard Mom, Mom look. I turned around to see them holding this adorable little orange kitten. We lived in the country. She was a feral kitten and we loved her right away. Off to the vet and I didn't even have time to get her spayed and she was going to give us more kittens. The kittens were born soon after. Three of them on my bed with our whole family watching with wonder.

My Mom again stepped up. She was having radiation treatments at the time and she took every opportunity to talk up these little kittens who needed good homes. We had started the process and adopted out one little boy. The kids were good with it as they knew this little guy named Elvis was going to be loved.

That evening Mommy Rose was hit by a car and she passed away. How could I give away these two daughters now. So we kept Lily and June. Beautiful long haired cats. I had a teacher friend who said in her next life she wanted to come back as a Johnson pet.

The last kitten I rescued off the road. She was a feral barn cat most likely and I probably could have left her to just do her thing.

Oh no...I decided to take her up to the humane society and asked them to find her a good home. The intake worker was a former student of mine. She asked if I wanted to know how it all went. Of course I wanted to know. Three days later they called and were going to euthanize her. She was "unadoptable." No, that was not happening. I went back and adopted my own kitten.

She was not a kitten. She was a 4 lb fully grown cat. Who knew how old she was. She was feral alright. Scared of everything.

Well, twenty one years later, I still have her. She is my Jade. She loves the warmth of me when she sleeps at night. Four pounds is a skinny little thing. So I have a guest on my side constantly. She can't wait till I lay down so she can snuggle up and purr. She greets us

by rolling over and talking. She loves to talk. Ask my husband.

I know the day is coming for this little therapy cat to head to the rainbow bridge. I can't be disappointed. A feral barn cat who turned out to be my strength and sweet soul through so many of the difficult times in life.

Cats rule and yes cat therapy is a thing...I know first hand.

For more information check out - www.petpartners.org , www.aaaiponline.org

Living Spirit-fully - Heart-to-Heart with Paul Galloro

Sat, 20 May 2023 13:06:17 GMT

Being a guest on Paul's Podcast was such a feel good experience. Being in Paul's presence fills my heart with love and light.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/livingspiritfully/episodes/Heart-To-Heart-with-Lori-Johnson-e243bd5

David Cooke, Stop Telling...Start Listening Radio Show

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:15:22 GMT

Stop Telling, Start Listening

New Paragraph

Interview With Dr. H. Aubrey Fine

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:47:30 GMT

Dr. Aubrey H. Fine is a hero in Animal Assisted Interventions...

T he Importance of Supporting AAI Professionals - YouTube

Dr. Fine is a retired licensed psychologist with more than 40 years of experience in animal-assisted interventions. He is a professor of education in the College of Education and Integrative Studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Dr. Fine is also a co-author of a book How Animals Help Students Learn - Research and Practice for Educators and Mental-Health Professionals.

He has a huge heart and has stories about how he helped so many children and youth with his various pets and partners in his psychology practice. You will love listening to this interview and hearing his heartwarming stories and advice for those of us in this field that is growing exponentially.

AAAIP Miniconference

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:47:36 GMT

Learn from the most experienced experts in the field. A rare opportunity.

Opportunity NOT to miss!

https://www.aaaiponline.org/miniconference_schools

Radio Guest with David Cooke

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:07:55 GMT

Check out the radio show...

https://www.voiceamerica.com/promo/episode/142694

Cottage Country Cockapoos

lori@lorijohnson.ca (Lori Johnson) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:44:21 GMT

Finding Our Perfect Puppy

,We had thought we had a few years left with our Laney. An agreement was made that we would not consider another dog until Laney had enjoyed her senior years and was now playing freely in what must be the best place ever, doggie heaven.

After all that happened with Laney and saying goodbye at the end of June 2022, the only thing I could think of was "how do I live without a dog?"

Craig truly could have been okay without another dog and I will always appreciate him for understanding how important it was to me.

It all started innocently with videos on Facebook. My friend who trains dogs professionally shares her board and training sessions on Facebook. I love watching them as I learn so much from her as a trainer and I get to see so many different types of dogs learning.

Well, one doggie she was training, was a puppy cockapoo and her name was Rosie. I can really say I fell in love. She was so sweet and loved to learn all that Kathy was teaching her. I couldn't get enough of the videos or this little dog Rosie.

Dog Daycare & Trainer | Ontario | TopDog K9 Services

I had a cockapoo once. Her name was Muffin and she was a great dog. She lived to be over 15 years and we all loved her so much. I was ready for a smaller dog and one that didn't shed as much as our beautiful yellow labs. So this all made sense to me.

I reached out to Kathy and asked more about Rosie. She said she was easy to train but sometimes was a little sassy. We both agreed that sassy is a good quality. She was cuddly and very sweet according to her trainer. The next question was where did she come from. The answer was Cottage Country Cockapoos in Muskoka.

I looked them up and there were puppies that would be ready to go August 12th. Now it was becoming real and my husband was not ready for a new doggie.

We had planned a road trip to visit Craig's brother and daughter in New Liskard in July. It just so happened that we would pass right by Huntsville on our way back. I suggested that we see if we could at least meet the breeder and check out their facility for the future. He agreed and his sister Jean, who was with us, and is a mega dog lover was all in too.

We arrived at their beautiful home and were greeted by some doggies who ran out to say hello. The owner Lori was not there but had wanted to accomodate our visit on our way home. She had enlisted her husband, mother and daughter to answer questions, show us around the property, and let us meet the puppies. We really appreciated their willingness to accomodate us.

What a wonderful family. The love for their puppies was evident right away.

My husband and sister-in-law were very impressed with everything that wasn't puppies and I totally fell in love with a little puppy named Juniper. Juney for short.

One question, that would make it or break it for me, was if they took back their puppies, if it didn't work out for a family. They answered absolutely, and added that it had never happened yet. They are very careful about who gets to love their puppies for life. I really liked that answer.

My husband said, "when I saw the laundry basket full of puppies and saw my wife so happy holding her little darling, I couldn't say no."

That is why I love him so much.

We got back in the car and I cried and cried. All I could think of was Charity and Laney. How much I missed them and was this the right thing to do. Craig and Jean comforted me and encouraged me to touch base with Cottage Country Cockapoos and see if we had met their standards. Would we even be able to adopt one of their sweet babies.

I reached out and they felt we were definitely a right fit for their puppy and that if I said yes, Juney would be my baby.

We said yes.

Cottage Country Cockapoos sent pictures and kept us informed of how Juney was doing until it was time to pick her up.

We have had her with us now for only two weeks.

She is everything we had hoped she would be.

Of course, she is a puppy and there is the nibbling that all puppies do. She loves to meet new people. She loves to play. She explores with confidence but always checks in with us to see if we are still close by. She sleeps through the night already. I have been training her and she loves to learn and responds so beautifully to positive. Cuddly galore and adorable.

Thank you Cottage Country Cockapoos for giving us the opportunity to love another doggie.

Our yellow labs will never be replaced as they were as special as you can get. We will always cherish our memories of those beauties while loving Juney for the rest of her life.

https://cottagecountrycockapoos.ca

Juney has big paws to fill as part of Charity's Sweet Legacy. Laney didn't get the chance but was on her way to being amazing. I think Juney is going to be fantastic and Charity and Laney will be very proud.

I look so forward to Juney becoming my new canine partner in supporting children and youth to be the best they can be.

So much to look forward to...and it all began with a little dog named Rosie.

A Complete Guide to Setting Up a School Dog Program

lori@lorijohnson.ca (Lori Johnson) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:29:55 GMT

Sometimes after reflection, we realize, we need to Change what we offer, to better suit the reality of those who may benefit from our program.

It has come to my attention that educators are feeling the struggle of post pandemic in a huge way. Back to inperson learning, still dealing with Covid Testing and mandatory time off for a positive test result, students who are experiencing huge gaps in learning and social emotional well-being and anything else you can imagine. Being an educator today is really hard.

So, me offering just one more course for them to commit to is just not the right thing at this time.

I do believe that what I have to offer could be a way to engage students and offer something unique during this unprecedented time.

It is changing the deliver model that might help educators access it more easily.

I decided to turn the opportunity to take a course, into a comprehensive guide, that educators can implement on their own time. It offers everything they need to implement an Animal Assisted Intervention Program. I call it, "Dogs in Schools", which adheres to Standards of Practice that have been developed through the Association for Animal Assisted Interventions for Professionals.

https://www.aaaiponline.org

I am more than happy to offer the course if there is an interest. Maybe, after things settle down a little. There is lots of activity in the membership at AAAIP that indicates there is great interest in adding animals to educational practice.

In the meantime, the guide may be able to help those who want to get started.

If you are interested in purchasing the guide it is available on the website https://www.charitysweetlegacy.com under "Our Training."

The dog/human bond is one that can heal hearts.

It can teach self-awareness and what are emotions are telling us.

Dogs offer unconditional love and they do not judge us.

They love with their whole hearts and reflect back to us what we feel, giving us a chance to understand ourselves better and find new ways to be.

My experience in offering Animal Assisted Interventions to children and youth, as an educator, was the best strategy I ever came across.

All these years later, after humans have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of having their pets with them, while they worked from home, increased awareness is opening up doors for adding a canine partner to your professional practice.

The magic is out there.

We have to be sure we are implementing this with thoughtfulness, support of those who are in the industry, and organizations like AAAIP who offer courses and certifications to provide accountability and credibility.

I get so excited just thinking about all the help we can offer to so many students by offering the love of a dog to our programs.

The Animal Effect Podcast by Prairie Conlon with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:47:07 GMT

Prairie Conlon, licensed mental health professional, examines the different ways animals can have an impact on our life. The Animal Effect.

Join Prairie Conlon on this episode as she speaks with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin, the National Director of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) Advancement at Pet Partners. In this role, she oversees the organizations’ empirical research collaborations and works with other field leaders to motivate standardization and professionalization of the intervention.

The Animal Effect - Featuring Dr. Taylor Griffin (spreaker.com)

I have been so fortunate over the last year to have spent time learning from Dr. Taylor Griffin. Her depth of knowledge and experience is incredible and she is always willing to teach, listen, advise and encourage.

It still feels surreal to be considered a field leader by someone who has such a rich background in AAI.

I have been involved in the Standard Setting of the work that was done before the Association of Animal Assisted Interventions for Professionals was launched. To be given the chance to work with other professionals who incorporate AAI into their practices has been a true gift.

As a Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist, I just want to share all that I have learned about standardization and professionalization of the intervention. It is so important as we go forward in this industry.

I hope that if you are looking to begin this amazing journey you will find all of this valuable to the credibility of your hard work.

I also hope that if you are already involved in Animal Assisted Interventions you will re-visit the standards and professionalization being created to upgrade and formalize your practice based on these new standards of practice.

Enjoy the interview with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin. There is so much to learn and discover.

Saying Goodbye

lori@lorijohnson.ca (Lori Johnson) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:12:52 GMT

The Hardest Part About Owning a Dog is Saying Goodbye

On Thursday June 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. we said goodbye to our beautiful Laney.

We didn't see this one coming as she was only 10 years old and still was puppyish in the way she loved life. She loved to swim, run with Craig when he rode his bike at the cottage, harass waterskiers, go for boat rides, car rides, and play catch until your arm fell off. We saw no slowing down.

I am going to start at the end and work back to the beginning.

As most people are aware, I love the relationship that dogs have with humans. Laney was "in training" with me to be evaluated as a therapy dog. We were scheduled for our in person evaluation on April 24th in Orangeville. As part of the process Laney was to be vet checked to be approved for animal therapy.

We had an appointment on the Friday and I had no concerns about her getting the needed signature on the paperwork.

I was very wrong.

The vet said she was running a bit of a fever and she didn't want to vaccinate or sign the papers on Friday. We discussed blood work.

I agreed to this, more for establishing a baseline, to make comparisons, as she was entering into her senior years.

Monday, Laney did not seem to be feeling well at all. We thought maybe she had eaten something in the bush at the cottage and she would be just fine. We went back to the vet and she had the blood work results. They were not what I had expected to hear. Laney had an aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma. The vet felt she would not last even until the end of the week. I had to now go home and let Craig know this sad news.

It just seemed too hard to believe. We needed another opinion.
We decided to have my friend Debbie Gilbert's husband, Dr. Martin come to the house, with his mobile vet service and his ultrasound.

Dr. Martin was so kind and gentle. He showed us with the ultrasound the huge tumor on her spleen. He gave us options and Craig chose the option to love her for now keeping a close eye on her for signs of discomfort. Dr. Martin felt she might have a week or two, no more than a month.

Well, here we are 9 weeks later. We feel so grateful to have had this extra time with our darling yellow lab. But, it was time.

To go back to the beginning,..

Laney was a dog that was so wanted by Craig's late wife Irene. She was a spunky puppy and there are many stories of her counter surfing and eating things that had been prepared for the humans. She did get better with age, but complete confidence, if there were yummy things and no one was looking, we never quite got to.

Laney brought to the family something much more important.

Irene was diagnosed with ALS and after it began to affect her mobility she would fall. If she fell, Laney would lay with her back pushed against Irene until Craig came and helped her get up. Laney instinctively knew that pressure and comfort was exactly what Irene needed. She was the service dog extraordinaire without a lick of formal training. The heart of a dog often can do miraculous things out of the love for their precious human.

I had the pleasure of getting to know, live with and love Laney. We developed a bond, but it was not nearly as strong as the bond Charity and Laney created. They were best friends. When Charity passed away on August 3, 2021, Laney grieved. It was so hard to watch. We all grieved the loss of Charity, but to witness the grief of a dog over the passing of her bestie was heartbreaking.

Eventually, we got to see the happy, silly, fun-loving Laney again. Riding with Craig at the cottage, harrassing skiers, all of the fun was back. She became my strength and our bond just grew so strong. Laney and our very senior cat could also be found sleeping side by side, when no one was looking.

My whole family loved her. Zach and Candace, Craig's adult kids, and Craig have loved her from puppyhood. They knew how much she meant to Irene.

Craig and I took comfort in knowing we were right there with her and that she could lay on the couch where she was most comfy. We also know that Charity and Irene were on the other side waiting for her.

No one really gets the fact that the hardest part of loving a dog, is saying goodbye, until that time comes. It doesn't matter how many times you go through it, the hurt is as deep and the loss is as great.

I say, "it is worth every bit of sadness and heart pain to have experienced the unconditional, pure love of a dog. I would do it again in a heart beat." - Lori

Goodbye for now Laney. We all love you so much.

New Thoughts on the Welfare of Therapy Animals

lori@lorijohnson.ca (Lori Johnson) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:34:55 GMT

Cool investigations on measuring whether dogs experience positive emotions when working...good info for the pet owner too.

It has been common practice to focus on the welfare of dogs in therapy work by investigating their stress and distress.

But, isn't welfare on a continuum from stressful to positive feelings. Just like when we discuss human mental health. It is a continuum of suffering from depression or having suicidal ideation to feelings of positivity and happiness. It isn't one or the other but where does one fall on the continuum.

This recent investigation is technical and it speaks to the process of oxytocin release in saliva of dogs who demonstrate a positive, happy, behavior when interacting with humans in AAI. It makes sense that dogs who are enjoying the experience of working would influence the emotional state of the human they are interacting with. So happy dogs make happy clients.

In simpler terms and the ones that I understand best, synchronization of the emotionals of the human and the dog to each other is a beautiful thing. I have been lucky enough to witness it when supporting children and youth experiencing challenges with enjoying positive mental health. There is nothing better than observing the corners of a sad kid sneak up and turn into a smile as they synchronize with a happy, enthusiastic dog. This can be enjoyed to the fullest by the pet owner too. Nothing better than coming into the house after a crappy day at work with lingering feelings of disappointment and negativity to a cheerful, tail wagging, happy dance.

Back to the scientific investigation a dog's temperment and breed drives behavior and psychological responses to situations. Cortisol measurements can be physiological indicators of dogs stress levels during interactions, as well as ocytoxin which indicates positive experiences. Observable behavior during interactions with humans that might show enjoyment, could provide indicators of positive welfare in dogs. Behaviors such as engagement in play, or human-initiated affiliative behaviors, including leaning against, nudging, or licking the client. In addition to the above two measurements, a questionnaire can help identify positive dog welfare when working as a therapy animal, the study explains.

As a life time animal lover, who feels so deeply the unhappiness or lack of care for an animal to my core, I am so thrilled to see these studies that support the best life for therapy animals. We can most definitely use the valuable information found to better understand and provide positive animal welfare for our pets too..

From the study positive welfare concept includes four key characteristics. The quality of life, happiness, positive emotions, and positive affective engagement. The study goes on to be very specific in these four key characteristics.

Again, to simplify, dogs communicate with their humans and our understanding of what these behaviors are telling us is key to the positive, happy quality of life and relationship that we experience with our beloved pet.

"Common temperament traits identified within dogs are excitability, aggressiveness, curiosity/fearlessness, trainability, sociability, playfulness, and a higher-order trait known as boldness [propensity to take risks; which can influence the expression of all these traits. With dogs, it is widely accepted that behavior differs between breeds, with empirical evidence to support this." - The Importance of Evaluating Positive Welfare Characteristics and Temperament in Working Therapy Dogs

Again, the study takes us back to temperment working on a continuum and on an individualized basis within the breed. Many factors are working together to create an individual dog's temperament. How they are raised, current environment, and other characteristics such as age, size, sex, and whether they are neutered, spayed or not.

I am going to go way out on a limb here. What I am going to say is not backed with a study I have completed. It is based on experience and the mindset of positive thinking. I do believe the temperment of a dog can be influenced by the way it is loved, cherished, and managed within the environment that it lives. We are empowered to enjoy a playful, happy, positively engaged dog if we value this to the point where we provide a quality of life that includes two-way communication, respect and love. It is up to us to be well informed, educated and trained to provide the best for our pets and in turn experience all that they so willingly want to give.

I invite you to have a look at the report in it's entire form. Frontiers | The Importance of Evaluating Positive Welfare Characteristics and Temperament in Working Therapy Dogs | Veterinary Science (frontiersin.org)

I will end with this quote.

"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." - Ghandi

Dogs in School Program

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:46:12 GMT

We Can Bridge the Gaps in Learning

It is imperative we find strategies to support our teachers and students as they return to in person learning. The therapeutic benefits of a Dogs in School Program can be transformational.

Educators are facing more challenges than ever before.

Could adding a Dogs in School Program provide the unconditional love students and school communities need?

Education has evolved to become more about student mental health than the delivery of curriculum. So many factors have contributed to this and now educators are facing a pandemic.

In person learning is finally going to be a reality. Educators are recognizing the needs of their students and the gaps in learning that have grown due to the pandemic.

Teachers begin to question if education is where they really want to be. Are they qualified to deal with the mental health challenges they face in their classrooms everyday? How do they teach students content when they are so troubled by all that is going on in their student world? How do they even begin to make up for all the lost time?

Getting students to school when they are depressed and cannot find any purpose is a huge issue. You cannot teach them if you cannot get them in front of you.

Setting Up a Dogs in School Program may not be on the agenda right now with the focus being on physical safety of students. Going from in person learning to remote/on line learning, lockdown fatigue, educating your own children and isolation, then back to in person learning are just a few of the stressors.

Maybe, just maybe finding something that creates excitement and motivates you to keep going could be the ticket.

As we get back to our lives the way we once knew them we are all going to be looking for ways to find our way back to feeling ourselves and positive mental health.

A Dogs in School Program has the capacity to affect the lives of the whole school community. Secretaries, custodians, teaching staff, administrators, parents and students. The feel good of the non-judgemental friend who greets everyone with an enthusiastic happy dance is therapeutic for all.

The gaps in literacy, social emotional learning, increasing attendance issues, behavioral issues, lacking special education programs, and the new realized inequity, issues we have so much catching up to do.

It will take more than one strategy and it will take a lot of time to address the problems created in education by the pandemic.

I have one strategy to offer that can be transformational.

We saw first hand how pets supported us during the anxiety of lock down, work from home, school closures and fear of getting sick.

Why does it not make sense to take that social evidence and use it as we get back to life?

If you are an administrator, teacher, parent, school custodian, school secretary, educational assistant and you believe in the therapeutic benefits of dogs check out my website for a complete guide to Start Up a Dogs in School Program. It is a comprehensive guide to get started.

You may need to be the advocate to get this into the hands of the powers who make the decisions in school boards/districts. You could be the beginning of something really special in your school community.

I know first hand the impact dogs in school had on my students, my school community and me. It is worth the extra effort.

Pet Therapy Impacts Lives Profoundly

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:12:25 GMT

Laura and Jaxon’s Story – Pet Therapy Impacts Lives Profoundly

Laura will attest to how pet therapy impacts lives profoundly. Her life was changed through the unconditional love of a dog named Jaxon. This love story is one of ups and downs. In the end there is a canine human relationship that is unbreakable.

Pet therapy is defined by the relationship between Laura and Jaxon.

A love story between them but not without its ups and downs.

Laura has been affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She was diagnosed many years ago and has tried many different things to alleviate her symptoms.

In 2013 Laura and Jaxon found each other. Jaxon was the runt of a litter of pups being sold by a neighbor. Laura essentially saved this little puppy’s life as the owners believed no one would want this skinny little pup. They had not very savory plans for him. It turns out they saved each other.

Jaxon grew into a healthy, strong black beauty. Laura referred to him as “BBD!” Big Black Dog!

There was a lot of new research at this time pointing to how dogs can provide a therapeutic value to those suffering with PTSD. Many service dog organizations were developing new programs to support veterans with PTSD. As the brave veterans were returning to Canada after being in Afghanistan the need to provide support was huge. Medical dogs for PTSD were proving to be the ticket to improved health and wellness for the veterans.

It proved to be a truth for Laura as well. Puppies need lots of care and attention. Laura’s energy turned to making sure Jaxon received early vet care, daily grooming, trips to the professional groomer from time to time, neuter surgery, lots of exploring and walking, playing at the beach and car rides.

As Jaxon grew and grew so did the profound affect this pet therapy had on Laura. A love so deep and mutual. The focus Laura was putting on Jaxon’s well-being as a young puppy, add in the tons of unconditional love from this puppy, an unintentional therapy that outweighed any counselling she had done in the past was taking place. Pet therapy impacts lives profoundly.

Dogs can help with PTSD by monitoring breathing and heart rate. They interrupt their loved one with a nudge to interrupt panic attack and flashbacks. They wake their human from nightmares and ease the symptoms of people being too close to them by blocking or standing between their human and crowds if the dog is working in public with their person. This requires specialized training. A dog being in close proximity even as a pet provides some of these interventions unintentionally. Pet therapy does not replace the work of a highly trained dog for PTSD but it has been proven to benefit and alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Pet therapy impacts lives profoundly.

Laura started to feel so much better that she was able to return to work. She was offered an opportunity to work for Transport Canada in a remote area in northern Ontario. Accepting this opportunity meant she had to find a new home for her precious dog. To ease her heart, she hoped Jaxon could help someone else the way he had helped her. She began to look for a service dog organization that would train him and place him with a deserving person.

I met Laura and Jaxon as the Program Director of Sweet Charity Medical Assistance Dogs. Laura reminded me of our first meeting in a Tim’s Horton parking lot in Barrie. I felt so sad for her and Jaxon. I cried with her and Jaxon licked my tears. Laura said she knew she had found a place where Jaxon would be cared for.

Jaxon was still a young dog and had puppy energy galore. I felt with his sweet demeanor I could work with him and find a suitable role for him within Sweet Charity.

After trying to place him with a puppy foster it seemed that it would be best for Jaxon to live with me where I had acres of farm field for him to exercise and other dogs around to provide socialization. It also gave me the opportunity to work intensely with him on life skills and fundamental basic training.

Jaxon lived with me for three years. My whole family fell in love with him. We have so many stories to tell about Jaxon. He was a character. His love of life, boundless energy and knack for finding things to get into endeared him to all of us. Jaxon’s presense was like pet therapy that profoundly affected our lives.

Pet therapy impacts lives profoundly . Even those dogs providing pet therapy need a vacation on Go Home Lake!

Laura suffered a set back with her PTSD symptoms. She loved her work, but the PTSD forced her to come home and take care of herself. Pet therapy changes lives profoundly and her bond with Jaxon had most certainly been a factor to her improved wellness. She missed Jaxon so much but we both knew we had to put Jaxon’s best interest first and take our time with any decisions that would impact him.

With this in mind, we began to do short visits. Laura would visit us at our home where he was in his comfy environment that he had come to know so well.

The first visit was emotional for all of us. Jaxon recognized Laura right away and the excitement and love he still held for her was so evident. It was a reunion that gave me the confidence that we were on the right path to reunite this special team. The reciprocity of this relationship was beautiful.

Laura worked so hard to prepare herself, her home and her life to reunite with her big black beauty.

Our visits at my home slowly turned into visits at Laura’s home. I would take him up and we would explore the neighborhood. Laura’s place is called “Magic Cottage” and it is magical. Georgian Bay and a beautiful beach are right near by. Jaxon always loved to swim so he really had a fun time. His greets were just as enthusiastic and I knew in my heart he belonged with Laura at the “Magic Cottage!”

Day visits turned into sleep overs and finally we all agree that it was time. It was bittersweet for my family. We knew it was meant to be, but our hearts hurt to say goodbye. Laura let Jaxon visit for sleepovers and he was always glad it see us. It never equaled the complete joy that he demonstrated every time he was reunited with his beloved human.

Jaxon continues to heal Laura daily. He is her rock. In times of struggle and the returns of PTSD symptoms he is always there to see her through the worst. His unconditional love for her and non-judgmental attitude is a gift that she is so grateful for. The love story endured the ups and downs, the separations and the reunions. The profound affect of pet therapy.

The intentional preparation of dogs to be therapy dogs in setting to promote wellness, anxiety reduction, to ease depression and comfort the dying in the form of animal assisted therapy is a growing business.

The unintentional therapeutic value of a pet is priceless. Pet therapy Impacts Lives Profoundly.

I am so happy to have been a part of Laura and Jaxon’s story of the unequivocal power of the canine human relationship.

72% of Executives Expect Corporate Workspaces to be Dog-Friendly Post-Pandemic

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:57:04 GMT

What will it be like going back to work?

Our incredible scientists have created a vaccine and our due diligence to stay home has allowed us to get to the other side of the pandemic. The economy is opening and we are slowing experiencing our lives in the way we knew them prior to the pandemic.

I say “experiencing our lives in the way we knew them prior to the pandemic” but that is really far from reality.

Everything has changed.

During the pandemic we were required to make a huge shift in the way we did things. Work from home, kids accessing school on line, families at home together all day just to name a few.

It was a difficult transition. Being the resilient humans that we are many of us began to embrace the changes.

We may even have adopted a lifestyle that provides us with more time freedom. We may have deepened the relationships with our immediate families within our households. We may even love working from home. Putting the dinner in the oven before our last meeting. We may even have acquired a dog to provide us with the comfort and companionship we missed by not seeing our colleagues on a daily basis.

Adding a dog to our lives, during the challenging times of the pandemic, has provided the unintentional data, that dogs included in our everyday lives, as non-judgemental, supportive co-workers, works.

Our dogs whether they were acquired during the pandemic or we already had them have also enjoyed a life full of joy. Being with their people is their biggest happiness.

As things transition back employers have big decisions. Many of the answers are not available yet as it is still too early to know how it is all going to transpire.

A crystal ball we do not need to know that their employees will be facing new stresses.

Return to the workplace for them, back to inperson learning for their children, resuming activities…hockey, music lessons, dance, swimming, chess club. Commuting hours added back into the day, what to cook for dinner and do we need to shop for the ingredients. I could continue but I am sure you have the idea.

One of the biggest stresses is “what do we do with the dog?” Everyone is leaving the home for 8-10 hours a day. You can’t leave a dog that long can you? Is it fair? They have never been left alone or they are not used to being left alone anymore.

Is there a doggie daycare and what will it cost? Can I get a dog walker? The answer to those questions is absolutely, yes.

Employers what if I told you there is significant research out there to support the benefits of dogs in the workplace.

https://habri.org/blog/shareable-infographic-now-is-the-time-for-pets-at-work/

“Pet- friendly” workplaces are more engaging and attracting for employees. A friend just told me who works in corporate that if she were to look for another job her biggest attraction to a company would be “dog-friendly.” She would take less money to be able to take her dog to work with her. My favorite years in education was when I was taking Charity to my classroom everyday. She was the happiest as well as dog’s need a purpose.

https://charitysweetlegacy.com/charitys-sweet-legacy-the-power-of-the-canine-human-relationship/

I witnessed this in my classroom. Community can be transformed to a culture of a more caring, inclusive workplace. Dogs are the perfect example of demonstrating that everyone matters. They do not care about your years of experience, your religion, your corner office, they think everyone is worth getting to know. When you are not judged and accepted and loved unconditionally it is the greatest gift to self-confidence and positive mental health.

Imagine Being Able to Transform Your Business!

I can tell you so many more benefits of having dogs in your everyday life and workplace.

Anxiety reduction, the calm energy of a dog who is happy all the time, how can you not synchronize with that relaxed, joyful approach to life.

Improved fitness, dogs need and love to get outside for walks. Instead of one more coffee jump on the excited energy when it is break time and your dog begins to associate the time of day with an outdoor walk. Best way to re-charge getting fresh air and some extra steps.

Positive mental health is a critical component to the benefits of being around dogs. Even the basic training required to safely take a dog into the workplace provides the opportunity to teach and be a leader to your dog. Dogs give immediate feedback and buy in so readily to the reward you offer for doing what you have requested. It feels so good to train your dog and see results.

Dogs love to please and to hang with a fluffy co-worker who spreads joy everywhere they go is a game-changer for everyone.

What if you could adopt new Social Responsibility Initiates for 2022?

Equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our lives needs to be at the forefront of all of our decisions. Pet owners have reaped the benefits of healthier lifestyles and a positive mental health while working at home. Children have bridged the gap of social emotional learning while not in school by learning to care for a dog. The whole family has enjoyed a sense of compassion and understanding as each member matters in their own special way due to the unconditional love of their dog.

It makes so much sense to extend this post-pandemic as we transition back to life.

Employee pet owners deserve to be seen as not only a diverse group needing an equitable workplace that is inclusive of their dogs, but also as a group of leaders who can transform a business into the ideal place to work for everyone.

Be a Innovative Business Leader!

It will be very exciting to see human-centered businesses adopt the number of different ways that dogs can be integrated into the everyday life at the office.

If you want to learn more about how to set up a Dog Friendly Workspace check out http://www.charitysweetlegacy.com and subscribe to Set up a Dog Friendly Workspace in 5 Days.

Innovative Training: Can Dogs Sniff Out Covid?

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:02:26 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Can dogs sniff out COVID?

There is good news along with the approval and arrival of the COVID vaccine. Dogs are being trained to be the first line of defense in many applications.

Innovative training and early research provides proof-of-the-concept, that dogs can sniff out COVID. The innovative training promises hope in the fight against COVID.

Claire Guest Co-Founder of Medical Detection Dogs in the UK reminds us, “Dogs have 350m sensory receptors dedicated to olfaction, humans have 5m. Some dogs can work with parts per trillion.”

Their research has indicated that these dogs can detect minuscule traces of odour, about one part per trillion, or the equivalent of a teaspoon in two Olympic swimming pools.

With this information in mind Medical Detection Dogs set out to provide innovative training to find out the answer, can dogs sniff out COVID?

http://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk

Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/12/covid-19-has-an-odour-and-the-dogs-are-detecting-it-meet-the-canine-super-squad-sniffing-out-the-virus

My belief in dogs and the incredible things they can do has just reached a new level.

Different Ways Dogs Help Humans ⋆ Charity’s Sweet Legacy

Picture this…the front lobby of a long term care home. As you enter the building to visit your love one you are greeted by a beautiful dog. The beauty is not just skin deep but goes well below the surface. The dog begins the sniff search and gives the green light that no COVID is present. You use the hand sanitizer, mask is on and you proceed to the elevator fully confident that a visit with your loved one is safe.

Every day thousands of students get ready to enter the doors of their schools. Picture this…each door is ready for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 to enter after they have had the sniff of approval from a dog. Not only does the dog provide the information needed for a safe entry it is friendly. Teachers and administrative staff will receive the same safe sniff.

Picture this…in your local hospital. Every entry has a trained dog to do the safe sniff to protect everyone who enters the building.

Picture this…along with the drug and bomb sniffing dogs at the airport, checking passengers, you now include a COVID sniffing dog.

I questioned the need for the detection dog training with the vaccine approval. In doing more research and digging into reality thinking, the more tools in the tool box the better. It could be a long time before vaccinations are given to everyone. It also seems there is the need to prepare for the next pandemic as horrific as that may sound. Disease is transferring more and more between animals and humans.

“A readiness platform, for the next one. We know what to do, what samples we need, and how to collect them, so we can deal with this quicker next time. ”If necessary, there could be a team of dogs, trained and ready to go, to send out to an emerging virus’s country of origin. Professor James Logan – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine working with Claire Guest at Medical Detection Dogs

A proof-of-concept study was initiated to see if dogs could sniff out COVID. The study was conducted at two sites Paris France and Beirut, Lebanon. The success rate per dog ranged between 76% and 100%. The next step is to perform validation studies. This is definitely a positive step forward in the fight against COVID.

Proof-of-concept study shows dogs can detect COVID-19 in human sweat – UPI.com

Bringing medical doctors, veterinary surgeons, epidemiologists and dog handlers together to collaborate seems more interesting and important than ever before. The “One Health-One Medicine” concept through the work of dedicated people is getting more and more validation in the public health and animal health communities.

One world, one health | Canadian Public Health Association (cpha.ca)

My love for dogs is so very deep. It has been a part of who I am since I was a very young child. For dogs to get the opportunity to fulfill their innate desire to help humans in such an incredibly impactful way is magnificent. It was not a long time ago the skeptics didn’t believe the idea that a dog could detect a diabetes low blood sugar and provide an alert to their human. Look how far we have come!

How Dogs Help Humans

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:38:17 GMT

How to Understand the Differences

New Paragraph

Dogs help humans in many different ways. It is an industry that has grown exponentially. It has become challenging to truly understand the different ways that dogs help humans and to establish standards of practice.

This article will separate out each area that dogs help humans and identify the differences. I will provide support articles as external links for referral and to provide opportunities for a more indepth look at the area that interests you.

The canine human relationship is witnessed when dogs help people. It is a beautiful reciprocal relationship. Dogs love to work and people need the assistance that dogs can so instinctively provide.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs is a generic terms for guide dogs, hearing dogs, or service dogs specifically trained to do three or more tasks to mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability.

Guide Dog is a dog that guides individuals who are blind or visually impaired. There are many tasks that a guide dog does to provide independence and safety to their user. A guide dog is specially trained for one person to use to mitigate the challenges of blindness or visual impairment. A guide dog and their user develop a wonderful canine human relationship.

Hearing Dog is a dog that alerts individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds. The sounds are household sounds and the dog is trained specifically to lead their user to the source of the sound.

Service Dog is a dog that works for an individual with disabilities other than blindness or deafness.

Service dogs are trained for people with mobility disabilities, autism, seizure alert or response, alerts to other medical issues such as low blood sugar, or psychiatric disabilities.

The most important differentiation is these dogs are highly trained to be placed with one person to help them with their disability. It is a long process that requires at least two years training of the dog from puppyhood. Puppies are raised by fosters who are required to provide socialization and early puppy experiences preparing them for their intense training for the selected type of help they will provide. There is a comprehensive application process for the human and careful matching is done of the dog to the client. Rigorous training of the team is the final step. These teams are often public access certified and the dog is an extension of the human in any public place the human chooses to go.

It is extremely important not to mix up Assistance Dogs and Service Dogs with Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, or dogs trained to provide Canine Assisted Interventions.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional Support Dog is a highly controversial topic. It is difficult to find any information about the training or certification of these dogs and humans in Canada. There are a number of websites that offer a quick certification for a fee. There are more and more news stories about poorly behaved, aggressive dogs, that are mismanaged in public by the user. It is discouraging for anyone who understands the rigorous training protocols of any assistance dog or service dog.

There are strict training standards for Therapy Dogs and dogs that perform Canine Assisted Interventions. Governing bodies that maintain and uphold standards of practice. To witness this amazing industry of dogs helping humans be undermined by the lack of standards for emotional support dogs, is not only discouraging to those who train and place highly skilled dogs, but also for the people who have emotional disabilities and could use a dog to help them in their daily lives.

A dog that is going into public MUST maintain an unobtrusive, calm, confident demeanor. The dog MUST have impeccable manners and be completely focused on the job they are there to do. There training is evident to anyone who sees them in public and they are identified by a vest and appropriate ID card.

If you are looking at training your own dog to be an Emotional Support Dog there are things you can do to help you in this journey. Get support from a professional dog trainer to assist you in choosing the right dog for this type of work. You want to set yourself and your dog up for success. Enrol in professional pet training classes to build life skills and solid foundation skills. I recommend highly these two professionals.

Top Dog K9 Services

After you have completed extensive training as a team reach out to the Canine Good Neighbour Program offered by the Canadian Kennel Club. This 12 – step test when completed successfully, ensures that your dog is a valued member of Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) across the country. Good manners are focused on for home, public places and around other dogs.

Canadian Kennel Club

This website is full of excellent, well researched information that can help you get what you and your dog both deserve.

If you are working with a psychologist, therapist, psychotherapist it is a good option to discuss your thoughts with them. An excellent article is posted below.

Emotional Support Animals: The Therapist's Dilemma

There is no doubt that animals specifically dogs can impact the lives of humans who are suffering with anxiety, depression, PTSD and more mental health issues.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dog takes the natural desire a dog has to provide affection, comfort and support to people. The big difference is the dog is a pet dog and is managed by the owner of the pet dog. The dog is only in public places where there has been a request for Therapy Dog Services and the owner has completed the training program provided.

The dog is not supporting the owner, it is being managed to help others. It is a great way to fulfil the desire of the owner to share the love and compassion they have experienced with their dog to many individuals. These individuals may be patients in a hospital, children in a school, elderly in long term care homes, those who are dying in a hospice.

People who can benefit from the sweet, non-judgemental love of a dog. What better way to take your mind off of your pain, lonliness, anxiety, whatever you are experiencing in the moment.

A dog suited to be a therapy dog is calm, confident around new situations. They love people and enjoy being social. Being well behaved in public situations is critical. The human part of this wonderful team needs to value the importance of dog behavior in public places.

St. John’s Ambulance offers a Therapy Dog Program that is uniquely Canadian. This is a registered charity that offers a national community service.

Doggie Love Enjoyed by Guests at Dog Friendly Resort

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:10:23 GMT

Dogs Positively Impact Everyone at the Resort

When we walk around Horseshoe Resort, just north of Barrie, Ontario, with our two beautiful blond labs, it has become very clear to me how doggie love is enjoyed by the guests at this dog friendly resort. Our dogs positively impact everyone at the dog friendly resort by their welcoming joyful greet.

The canine love is enjoyed by the guests at this dog friendly resort. Children giggle, and are truly entertained by Charity when they see her hold her own leash. Her excited talking as the children pet her is a highlight of their day. Laney anticipates her turn for attention by circling, and waiting for the children to notice her too.

Parents scramble for their cameras to catch the exchange on video and to take a couple of memorable still pictures. It is always interesting as these visitors to the resort are surrounded by the excitement of all that is awaiting them, yet the doggie love is enjoyed so much by the guests and makes everybody smile.

The cleaning staff at our condo look forward to their doggie time every day. Each one gets right down on their knees so they can take advantage of the welcoming greet. They tell me the daily visit takes all the worries away, if only for a few minutes. The dogs positively impact everyone at the resort and makes it a better place.

The real estate sales people have an office in the guest services building that has a window that looks out to the resort. They reported that the whole office staff gets up to look out the window to catch a glimpse of the blond doggies. They anticipate seeing the dogs out and about. Canine love is enjoyed by all.

Dogs’ Positive Affect on Ski Hill Staff Community

My husband worked at the ski hill, as a lift operator, during the winter. He used his breaks to exercise the dogs, when I was working away from home. His fellow lift operators have coined a phrase “dog day” when a break is needed to run across to the condo to give them a quick walk. The kindness shown by the lift operators, as they covered for a few minutes, to be sure the dogs were taken care of had a positive affect on the ski hill staff community. Dogs have an incredible way of pulling a community together. I will walk the dogs over to the lifts so the operators can pet them and enjoy a few seconds of doggie love.

It seems we have lost our own identity. We are now the people with the beautiful dogs. I am okay with it. If our doggies love is enjoyed by the guests at the resort we are happy.

The universe always has our backs. The joy of being with our dogs, in this public setting, and seeing the incredible power they hold to brighten the day, for so many, has been a real personal gift. It is true, if it is a passion, it cannot be denied. I am so excited to share this story as it creates a space to share my personal experience of how our dogs have shared their love with the everyone at the resort.

Charity and Laney are true Canine Ambassadors at Horse Shoe Resort. A dog friendly resort so you never have to leave your family member behind.

Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dogs

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 18:09:52 GMT

A Diabetic Alert Dog can recognize the chemical changes in a person with type one diabetes and alert to the impending danger.

If you have questions that need answers about diabetic alert dogs check out this blog.

Table of Contents:

Internal Link – Ch a rity’s Sweet Legacy – The Power of the Canine Human Relationship

1. A Little Information on Diabetes

Type One Diabetes

Today, 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. By 2027 that number will increase to 14 million. Diabetes is considered an epidemic.

2. The First Glucometer

Type One Diabetes

The first glucometer was invented in 1971 by Anton Huber Clemens. The glucometer is used to measure levels of glucose in the blood. This first glucometer was able to give an approximate reading. The early machine was only available in doctor’s offices and hospitals.

With the advancement of technology glucometers are now small, easy to use, and give accurate readings. A person who has no symptoms of dropping blood sugars can use their glucometers up to every 15 minutes out of fear of what is happening in their bodies. Complications from fluctuating glucose levels are devastating. Blindness, neuropathy, kidney disease, reduced defenses to fight infection to name only a few.

The work of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) External Link – http://www.JDRF.ca and the Canadian Diabetes Association External Link – http://www.diabetes.ca in partnerships with many companies, provide awareness, technology, education to manage diabetes and funding for research for a cure. Centers in hospitals that are dedicated to supporting children with diabetes, provide medical care that can make the difference. A long healthy life with few complications is a reality for people with type one diabetes..

3. Dog Selection for the Perfect Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog

A diabetic alert dog is one more tool to support diabetes management, above all, for people who have no symptoms can be life saving.

As you can well imagine a dog selected to save the life of a child with brittle type one diabetes would need to be special.

The dog’s desire to please and the need to engage fully in the canine human relationship is essential. The need to always be in proximity of their human is a number one priority.

They must be calm, confident, social dogs. Going into public places with their human with diabetes requires the dog to be able to handle many different situations. Other dogs, busy malls, loud noises, smells of food and other appealing odors, dark theatres and small spaces. They need to be able to navigate these challenges with confidence and a calmness that protects the general public from an obtrusive, poorly managed dog.

Paradoxically these calm, confident dogs need to have a driven nature and this instinctual desire or impulse is naturally inherent in the dog. They need to have an instinct to use their noses to explore their environment. Next time you meet a new dog in a new situation watch how they learn about their surroundings. Do they visually take note of the environment or are they sniffing with their heads down taking in the newness with their noses? And does the dog follow you everywhere you go even into the bathroom and do they work hard to find a treat that is hidden as part of a game? A dog that will work tirelessly to find a treat hidden using their nose is a good candidate to be a Diabetic Alert Dog.

4. Training a Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog

It is wonderful to watch a life saving diabetic alert dog alert to a low blood sugar.

You can tell the dog is smelling the changes in the person’s body chemistry as they begin to become restless and they begin to perform a ritual of sniffing and once they have established that they are smelling the target odor, they will begin the alerting process.

The alert begins with a nudge on the hand and will escalate to licking, pawing and climbing up on the person, doing whatever is necessary to get the response they are looking for in their person. The human response is checking their blood sugars using a glucose meter to validate the dog’s alert.

In other words, if the reading is 4.5 mmol/L (the standard unit of blood glucose measure in Canada) or below, the human will thank the dog, and the dog will continue to wait. It is imperative that low blood sugar be treated first and foremost for the safety of the person with type one diabetes.

The scent recognition is one of the easier tasks.

The more difficult piece is teaching the lifesaving diabetes alert dog in training to communicate with the alert and increase the intensity as it is needed. Positive reinforcement training relies on rewarding the behaviors you like and ignoring the behaviors you do not like. Through operant conditioning, a dog makes an association between a behavior and a consequence.

A life saving diabetic alert dog who performs an alert will always require deep sincere appreciation and a “puppy party!”

Diabetic Alert Dog in training and trainer Jodi Ferri with Tie Domi. He was hosting a book signing about his son with type one diabetes.

A dog is an emotional animal. The dog’s brain contains the amygdala. It is situated in the limbic system and it cries out for titillation. If you want your dog to “do it again” to remember “how sweet it is” you always add the emotional component.

A specially trained diabetic alert dog does NOT replace the glucometer. It does NOT replace the support of family for young children. It does NOT replace the care and expertise of the medical teams at the Diabetes Education Centers. A furry, loving companion is an extra safety net.

5. Things to think about if you are considering a diabetic alert dog

The success of a diabetes alert dog and child with type one diabetes team is not the sole responsibility of the dog or the trainer. There are many things to consider if you are thinking about getting a service dog for your child.

A success story!

6. Family Commitment

Firstly, the whole family needs to be fully onboard and committed to the diabetic alert dog. Secondly, there is rigorous training with the dog before it is placed in the home. Protocols of training must be followed up consistently at home by all members of the family for the dog to continue to work at capacity.

7. Belief in Training Protocols

The recipient of the service dog and the family needs to fully believe in the purpose behind the training protocols and the importance of maintaining these consistently. It is of the utmost importance that follow up and training maintenance be established. Trusting the trainers in the organization and the strategies that have been proven and are credible.

8. Financial Commitment

The cost to get a service dog really depends on the organization. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Oakville, Ontario External Link – http://www.dogguides.com do not charge for their service. They are a registered charity that secure funding to cover their costs. Some charitable organizations will cover a large amount of the training costs and only charge a small fee. A private, for profit business can charge thousands of dollars. A thorough investigation of the business is crucial. Due diligence will pay off.

After the diabetic alert dog is fully trained, there are financial costs, for the lifetime of the dog. Such costs, as annual vet trips, update of immunizations, flea and tick medication, a comprehensive check up, budgeting at least $500.00 a year is prudent. Over and above health issues will cost much more. Licensing of a service dog in Ontario is no charge.

A new dog bed, crate, toys, fencing the yard for the safety of the dog, food, first vet visit can add up. According to Ontario Veterinary Medical Association External Link – http://www.ovma.org it can cost up to $3000 a year for the first few years of a puppy’s life. A service dog will not cost this much as the first years the costs were covered by the service dog organization. Budgeting for about half of this amount would be reasonable.

Quality food is also highly recommended for the service dog as the cost to train a diabetic alert dog can be upwards up $25,000. Budgeting to feed the dog the best maintains the health and wellness of the dog who can have a profound affect on the quality of the recipient’s life.

Grooming the diabetic alert dog professionally is crucial. Most importantly, they are out in public, and being clean and brushed is not only in the best interest of the public, moreover, the perception of the service dog industry. On average expect to pay between $30 and $90 for a standard grooming. Extras like nail clipping, flea treatments, teeth cleaning will cost more.

9. Exercise and Social Commitment

A service dog really does enjoy working. Dogs love to use their brains and they love to please their humans. Above this they need to be exercised and given the opportunity to just be dogs. Exercise allows them to burn off their energy, stay fit, strong and healthy and have fun. A general rule for exercise is between 30 minutes and 2 hours of exercise every day. This will depend on the size and breed of the dog. Walking the dog, running off leashed in a safe, secure environment or playing a game of ball can be choices.

Determining what is best for the dog will depend on what is most gratifying to them. Exercising or playing with your dog is a wonderful way to bond with them and it is also a real motivator for the human to get up and get out as well. If your disability is a challenge, make sure you have a family member or a friend who can be available to help you every day to ensure the appropriate amount of exercise and fun is maintained.

10. Training Maintenance

Depending on the organization where the service dog was trained there may be training maintenance opportunities for the life time of the dog. It is important to find out from the trainer what is included and to budget for these possible instances if it is not included.

11. Commitment of the Organization to the Service Dog

If the worst case scenario happens and for some reason the recipient cannot continue to maintain the quality of care for the diabetic alert dog, knowing what the organization offers in this event is important. A reputable organization does not want to see their dogs end up in shelters. They would maintain a policy that the dog be returned to them. These dogs are highly trained, and a great deal has been invested. As a result a diabetic alert dog maybe placed with another human to serve or continue to work in some capacity to help people.

12. Compliance Commitment

A reputable organization will have a lengthy, legal agreement between themselves and the recipient. The diabetic alert dog recipient needs to read carefully this agreement, as there will be steps outlined in the agreement for both the organization and the recipient. Compliance can be undervalued in the success of a service dog team. Both parties must adhere for the partnership to work. A lifesaving dog who alerts to low blood sugars is not magic. It take commitment, patience, training protocols and belief.

Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog

The Value of a Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog is Worth the Patience

Service dog organizations have different application policies. If you believe you are the right candidate to apply and be the recipient of a service dog to support your type one diabetes or your child’s reach out to them individually to find out what they require you to do. In conclusion, it can be a long process and there are wait lists, but the value of the diabetic alert dog for a person with brittle type one diabetes is worth the patience.

Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog

Charity’s Sweet Legacy – The Power of the Canine Human Relationship

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:05:50 GMT

I will take this opportunity to share our story, to celebrate a life well lived, to educate and inspire others to reach for the greatest gift, the unconditional love of a dog. The power of the canine human relationship. This reflects our story and the bond that will live on forever.

I look over at my beautiful yellow Labrador Retriever named Charity.

My heart is bursting with so many emotions. I feel so much love, as her and I have shared this amazing canine human relationship. A sense of pride and a depth of connection that is hard to put into words. I feel a deep sadness creep in…she is 12 years old. Dogs are not here for a long time.

She has taught me lessons in unconditional loving. Charity is a daily example of living life full of pure joy. This dog has the gift of being right here in the present moment. She has provided mentorship on how success is all about service.

I truly cannot imagine my life without her. But I know the reality of it all too well. I knew I needed to do something to celebrate her.

A legacy is a mark on the world that is honorable, compassionate and makes a difference.

It is joyful and it is full of heart, soul, and love. A legacy cannot ever be spent. It is so rich it is everlasting. It is the story of a life well lived. It is the pathway to making a difference for many, many years long after death.

Having a loyal friend to share the highs, the lows, the successes, the roadblocks, the tears, the ordinary, the exciting. Our canine human bond!

Charity has touched so many lives and has made a difference to everyone who has been lucky enough to meet her.

She coined the phrase “canine human bond” through her relationships with so many. I am grateful for the opportunity to tell her story and create her everlasting legacy.

COPE Service Dog Puppy in Training

Charity was acquired as a young puppy by COPE Service Dogs. Service dogs are specifically trained to do three or more tasks to mitigate an individual’s disability. Service dogs work for individuals with disabilities other than blindness or deafness.

Service dog types include: Mobility Service Dog, Seizure Service Dog, Autism Service Dog, Diabetic Alert Service Dog, Psychiatric Service Dog, Service Dogs for Veterans with Military-related PTSD and Medical Alert Service Dog.

There is a huge difference between Assistance Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Animal Assisted Intervention Programs. There are governing bodies that outline the differences and the appropriate training protocols. For charitable organizations, Assistance Dogs International provides an accreditation process for standards of practice.

https://adi.org

This is a Reading Buddy Program. The bond between the canine and the children builds confidence and supports learning to read. You can see there is a great deal of joy happening.

As part of my volunteer work at COPE Service Dogs puppy raising was requested. The organization needed a temporary puppy raiser for this little lab pup. Maybe a month was the commitment. She was already important. A group of women who golfed together had raised $10 000, to have the opportunity to name a service pup in training. I remember Jane Boake, The Founder of COPE, had the name on a little piece of paper in her pocket. We opened it up together and the name they had chosen was Charity.

A month turned into 12 years and holding!

Charity entered the training program to be a service dog for a person with a physical disability. Such important work. She was also enrolled in the Canines in the Classroom program. She came to work with me 3 times a week.

She played with the other dogs and supported many students who benefited from this program. As part of the program she went to elementary schools with her high school trainer for the reading program. She was a master. She loved all the students and they loved her.

This was a highlight for Charity and really allowed her to shine. This was the perfect way to learn to be a service dog in her eyes.

I was one of the instructors in the Canine in the Classroom program, so it was beautiful for me to see my students connect with her so impactfully. I also got to witness her magic with seniors. Her joy was my joy. In the back of my mind, ALWAYS, was the nagging thought that I would only have her in my life for 2 years. She would be matched with a life partner and she would leave me to do her work for the rest of her life. It is bittersweet though, as Charity and I would be helping someone so immensely but how would I say goodbye? So many opportunities for the canine human relationship to flourish.

After a year of training and being part of the classroom program, I had a gut feeling that Charity was going to be released from the program. Her spirit was so sweet, but she struggled with meeting strange dogs and even some people. A service dog always needs to be calm and confident, not reacting in anyway aggressively to another dog or person.

I will never forget when I got the news of her release and that I would get to keep her. I cried. As her puppy raiser I wanted her to be successful. I felt that bittersweet moment again. Sadness that she did not make it but overjoyed that I would not have to say good bye to my best friend.

After summer vacation I went back to teaching in the Learning Centre in Innisfil, ON.

Even with all the COPE dogs available for training and lots of opportunity for canine human bonding the students missed Charity. I brought her in one day to visit the students. It was clear to me that I had to work her into my program again.

It was important to be respectful of public access rights for service dogs in training. The COPE dogs were welcome in the school as they met the criteria for dogs in public. Charity was no longer a COPE dog so she came in the backdoor of the school and spent her time in the classroom. She was a pet dog providing therapeutic support to the students. She was my dog, I was the teacher. This was where the seed was planted in my mind for the Canine Ambassador Program at Sweet Charity

The canine human relationship with the students enhanced the safety and sense of belonging in our classroom.

Charity’s presence in the Learning Centre was multi-faceted. Her happy dance when greeting the students brought smiles. Even on mornings when smiling was difficult. She brought comfort by just being there to pet when there were tears. Her calm, confidence could de-escalate anger, anxiety, frustration, fear, stress in the students. They began to look for her and call her over in the early stages of an episode. She never turned a student down. Her consistent, non-judgmental ability to be there made our space safe. She taught self-regulations, mindfulness, behavior modification in the most kind way. The students synchronized their emotions with her calm, happy energy. The epitome of the benefits of the canine human bond.

Dogs synchronize with our emotions and we can synchronize with theirs. This can be organic in nature by merely petting a dog. It can be much more powerful when this is taught with intention. Teaching a student to calm the high energy of a dog using their own energy awareness and transferring it down the leash is amazing. Watching a highly charged student work on calming themselves, to support the dog they are petting, to be calm, is a biofeedback loop, which is hard to match. Immediate feedback from the dog is priceless. The opportunity for leadership empowers the student. Confidence grows through the canine human bond and magic happens.

The best stress reducer other than a biofeedback loop is exercise and time outdoors. Charity needed to be walked everyday at school. It became a bonding time for students, EA’s and teachers as we walked the track with Charity. Conversation, community building and exercise build right into the curriculum by having a dog in the classroom.

The first seeds were planted to grow a program where teachers and pet dogs and the canine human bond created could facilitate therapeutic opportunities in the classroom and the community as a whole.

Humble Beginnings of Sweet Charity Medical Assistance Dogs

It was a calling. I was inspired by many years living with type one diabetes and my absolute crazy love for dogs. When you can combine a passion with a solution to a problem it is empowering. Charity supported my learning and the charity was named in her honour.

Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dogs

The original vision and mission of the charity was to train dogs for children with brittle type one diabetes. This was ground-breaking work being done in the UK and the United States. Understanding the challenges of precipitous blood sugar drops without any symptoms to warn of the impending danger was all too familiar. Technology was developing to help with this life threatening situation but how wonderful would it be to have your canine companion recognize the odor changes in your body and alert you to an impending low with more accuracy than the technology at the time. The bond between the canine and the human was critical for this life saving work.

A fter retiring from my 33 year, career as a teacher, in 2013, I founded Sweet Charity. Charity and I embarked on a journey to discover how to do this life saving work. Blood sugar levels can drop quickly and without any warning. C harity’s contribution to the understanding and learning on my part is hard to fully explain. She was extremely good at recognizing the odor. The problem was her exuberant response to smelling the odor. Reducing her response to a chain of escalations beginning with a nudge needed to be taught. Her driven personality was not a good match for mobility service dog training. It was perfect for recognizing low blood sugar and wanting to communicate what she was smelling, but the need to not overwhelm the person with diabetes with her alert was our challenge. Charity would never be a fully trained working service dog either as a mobility dog or a diabetes alert dog, but she more than did her share.

Diabetes Alert Dog Program

Fast forward to the pilot project of acquiring the first cocker spaniel puppy from Nonnies Cockers http://www.nonniescockers.ca and with the help of JDRF http://www.jdrf.ca to select a child with brittle type one diabetes, who would be the recipient to receive the first Sweet Charity Diabetes Dog was monumental.

I will never forget the first text I got from the mother of this dear child that the dog had provided the first low blood sugar alert after being placed in their home.

To this day Riley still alerts Noah. The canine human relationship between Noah and Riley is one of love and life saving.

Sweet Charity Diabetes Support Dog Program

It came to my attention in consultation with the pediatric diabetes nurse at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, ON that there was a challenge not only with children experiencing brittle diabetes, but also children experiencing social, emotional, challenges of the diabetes diagnosis. Doctors appointments, hospital visits, painful injections, carb counting, loss of independence due to very very worried parents, was taking a toll on many children.

Another pilot project with a sweet little black cocker spaniel puppy named Jonesy and a child who was full of fear and angst about diabetes was undertaken. This initiative was very dear to me. Understanding the impact of the diagnosis of type one diabetes in the physical sense and the changes it brings to a family is mindboggling. To witness through the parent of this child the heart ache of how this diagnosis was impacting this child’s emotional well-being was something that needed to be addressed. Perhaps with the canine human relationship.

An emotional support animal is defined as any animal that brings comfort and support to a person with a psychological, mental or emotional disability. Emotional Support Animals are protected under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

http://www.ontario.ca http://www.aai-int.org

The value of this program and the knowledge of a previous board member to secure Trillium Foundation funding gave Sweet Charity the first substantial grant money to move forward. The greatest gift to a young charity can be money, but recognition by the Ontario Trillium Foundation meant the work mattered.

http://www.otf.ca

Canine Human Relationship promotes healing!

Michael Jones “Jonesy” left us far too soon. He suffered from a rare disease Neurofibromatosis (NF1). He is the son of dear family friends. Jonesy is named in Michael’s honor. The family has welcomed into their family a doggie named Indy. This pup has enriched their lives and supported their healing.

Sweet Charity School Program

Sweet Charity School Programs morphed out of the work I did with COPE Service Dogs.

The premise is including dogs in our everyday lives at schools to meet specific outcomes, created by a professional teacher and/or mental health provider. This pilot project, that Charity was involved in, at Nottawasaga Pines SS and Midland SS, was part of the mental health initiative at Simcoe County District School Board. Wendy Hunter, a licensed Psychotherapist and owner of In Support of Children, was instrumental in meeting the requirements of the therapy aspect of this program. The other volunteers that joined us were at the heart of the success.

This program was so impactful. The benefits to students, the flexibility to develop program and student outcomes that met the specific needs of each member of the group, the positive influence on the school community at large are only a few accolades. Every member of the community enjoyed the rich benefits of the power of the human canine connection.

Currently, I am working on the leadership team with Pet Partners to create courses and certification programs for professionals who want to add dogs to their services. Providing standards of practice and certification is of the utmost importance. I am proud to represent Educators.

Sweet Charity Canine Ambassador Program

The pilot project was embraced by Nottawasaga Pines SS and Midland SS. John and Tessie Dogster, were the first official Sweet Charity Canine Ambassadors. John and Tessie lived in the school community. She became somewhat of a celebrity.

This “therapy dog” strategy to reach many students, in many schools, across the county. Charity once again inspired the change to the lives of so many.

A therapy dog takes the natural desire a dog has to provide affection, comfort and support to people. The dog is managed by the owner to provide love and compassion to many individuals often in settings like hospitals, schools, long term care homes, hospice to name a few. The dog suited to be a therapy dog is calm, confident around new situations, loves people and enjoys being social. This is different from Facility Dogs.

https://www.sja.ca http://www.ckc.ca

The Sweet Charity Canine Ambassador Program has been grown across the Simcoe County School Board. Charity and I are so proud of this. In appreciation, I thank my students in the Learning Centre at Nantyr Shores SS, for loving all that Charity brought to our classroom. They were the driving force for all the students and school communities, who are benefiting today.

Our time spent with Sweet Charity Medical Assistance Dogs was long enough to see my vision come to fruition and ensure the foundation was built. The pride and sense of accomplishment is worth the legacy that Charity is being bestowed.

Charity will never be forgotten. She will continue to affect the lives of others through.

Our goal is to be able to offer these programs far and wide. Learning from the best will provide me with the tools to impact so many more people through the power of the internet. Shannon Mattern.

My involvement with Pet Partners provides standards of practice and the opportunity to stay on top of an industry that is growing faster than anyone could ever have imagined.

charitysweetlegacy

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It seems we have lost our own identity. We are now the people with the beautiful dogs. I am okay with it. If our doggies love is enjoyed by the guests at the resort we are happy.

Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dogs

A Diabetic Alert Dog can recognize the chemical changes in a person with type one diabetes and alert to the impending danger.

If you have questions that need answers about diabetic alert dogs check out this blog.

1. A Little Information on Diabetes

Type One Diabetes

﻿

2. The First Glucometer

Type One Diabetes

﻿

3. Dog Selection for the Perfect Life Saving Diabetic Alert Dog