I couldn't figure out how to directly link the article, so click here and scroll down to the second article on the page, Service Dogs for America agency to visit Valley City.
I chose this article because last year for a class, I wrote a ten page paper on service dogs and "theradogs." I found extensive research on the benefits of pets, particularily dogs, on people, both ill and healthy. Today, Service Dogs for America visited the Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals meeting to talk about its mission.
In the article Michelle "Mitch" Doyle tells what she and her organization does. "We train and place service dogs, emergency medical alert-response/seizure alert-response dogs, therapeutic companions, and specialty dogs with people who need them," (Schlegel, 2009). Doyle also tells us that the main focus is people. Helping people is specific to the mission statement of the organization.
I know how important it is for people to have the love of a pet in times of need. My sister had major back surgery two years ago and she had a black lab visit her while she was staying in the hospital. She's a huge dog-lover and since she was away from our dog, the lab brought her a feeling of hope and love.
While doing my research last year for my paper I wrote about therapy dogs, I ran into many websites, this is just one that you can visit if you have intrest in the subject. You'll find a touching story as soon as you arrive at the website. I read many like this throughout my reasearch, and I couldn't believe some of the things I read.
I love dogs, and that is partially why I chose this article to blog about. I also figured I'd catch up on local news, and logged onto the Times Record's website, and this article really stood out to me.
On another note, we got our two beat assignments today, and I'm a little worried about them. I'm hoping I'm able to find an event related to my specific beat, which is arts and culture. I don't think that will be too hard. There ought to be a concert, art show, or something coming up in the near future. If anyone has any knowledge on particular events going on in the Valley City area, I would like to hear about them. :)
This is the blog I'm following on maintaining sources: http://blogethics2004.blogspot.com/.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This is a great topic to have a passion for Heidi. Many hospitals and centers caring for elderly use animals like the lab where your sister was recovering. There is also a lot of information about other animals trained to help humans such as cats and horses. My youngest daughter’s minor is equine therapy. In her introductory class she worked with a program that works with mentally and physically handicapped children on horseback. As a trainer she needs to know how a specific horse moves so she would be able to match it with a child that needs certain movements in order to help the child. She’s also pushing her older sister who has the autistic child to seek out a program in North Carolina. It’s amazing!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am kind of worried regarding our beat reporting. I found an issue related to mine not an even yet. I'll keep my eye out; I am visiting the area this weekend. Wow regarding the post! I would love to read your paper if still have it. The other day we lost our cat in the apartment building. Were not suppose to have pets here, but when my husband went to go do some laundry he didn't bother to watch the door swing open along with the cat! I was so mad! And I couldn't believe how upset I was about losing our young cat. I started panicking in case he got out somehow and was in the cold. We walked around looking for footprints and put posters up. And this all happened like around midnight! Just horrible! Good news is though we got him back. After I read your post I thought about my story and how it kind of related to your post. I was so upset crying and everything! So I do think pets are great attitude boosters. I like to think some pets have an unconditional love to their owners. What a neat thing to write about!
ReplyDeleteI love this story! I am a huge dog lover, and I love reading about animals being able to help people. A friend's dog had puppies and wasn't able to feed them all. They were Great Pyrenees puppies, which grow up to be rather large dogs. We knew we couldn't keep the puppy, because my friend lives in an apartment, so once we got him off the bottle, we sent the puppy to Fargo to become a therapy dog. It felt awesome to know we were helping someone and giving the puppy a purpose.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with you that therapy dogs are wonderful in hospitals or nursing homes. When my grandpa was sick in the hospital for months at a time, that was one of his favorite things was having the therapy dogs come in and visit. I believe they bring so much happiness to those who are in the hospital and can help with people getting down on themselves or too depressed. Also, I think the dogs help them through the day and become stronger.
ReplyDelete