Therapy of the Furry Kind

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OSCAR
OSCAR, is a 12-year-old Chihuahua and Jack Russell mix, rescue dog. Joe
Gillen, Oscar’s “dad,” is an Angela Hospice volunteer. Joe wanted this story to be
about Oscar and Brenda, Joe’s wife who died at the Angela Hospice Care Center in
2015, with Oscar by her side. Brenda was the one who rescued Oscar when he was
on the streets. She thought he was a black dog until she bathed him and saw that
he was white!

Excerpts from Brenda’s “Oscar Blog”: “Oscar was officially trained at Therapy
Dogs, Inc. He doesn’t shy away from people. He seems to think his lot in life is to
be fondled by strangers in a public place. Having Oscar as a therapy dog is good
for him and me. When we got home after his first client visit he was so happy — all
those hands touching his face and ears — I think I need to pick up some sanitizing
wipes today! ”


JOSIE
JOSIE, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever is part of our Volunteer Therapy
Dog program. Her “mom,” Beth Judd, says, “Josie gets by on her looks.
Being a Golden is an asset because people really respond to her beauty.”
Josie’s calm temperament, obedience, and patience soothes and comforts
patients and families, often by climbing into bed with them if they like.
Beth says, “It’s a wonderful sight to have patients see Josie and recall their own
dogs. She evokes a lot of emotion and happiness from people who are in a
difficult situation.”

Josie’s schedule, besides volunteering in the Angela Hospice Care Center, involves
going to nursing facilities on behalf of Angela Hospice, visiting local elementary
schools, and helping young hockey players relieve stress. Beth was called to this
work and she got Josie specifically for the priviledge of volunteering to help
hospice families in this special way.


REGGIE
REGGIE, a 10-year-old Multipoo visits the Angela Hospice Development
Department almost every day, and is a mascot, friend, and a real comfort to anyone having a difficult day. Reggie is one of the special perks to working at Angela Hospice (and he kind of knows it.) Lisa Norton, Development Department Coordinator, is Reggie’s ”mom.” She says, “Reggie brings down the stress level in the office, plus he is great when you need a hug.”


PIPER
PIPER, a one-year-old Toy Fox Terrier, is new to the therapy business. Her
”mother,” Debbie Vallandingham, is a Bereavement Social Worker here at Angela
Hospice. Deb says, ”Piper is a great breed to train for becoming a certified therapy
dog — she loves people, has spunk and tenacity, and a ‘can-do‘ attitude.” Piper
was a big hit at “Getting Through the Holidays” (an Angela Hospice workshop for
children who have lost a loved one). The kids loved her! Piper is a Canine Good
Citizen, and knows basic commands, including a very useful one, “leave it!”

To support our volunteer pet therapy programs, you can donate at angelahospice.org/donations/.

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