Dogs provide therapy by sharing smiles, joy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  A knock on the door wakes the man from a deep slumber. The pain he feels as he sits up quickly reminds him where he is and what put him there. The irritancy at being disturbed is quieted when the hospital door opens slightly to reveal the snout of a beast.

Fear's icy fingers plunge into the man's heart. What sort of monster is this? What does it want from me? As the door opens completely, his panic becomes curiosity. In walks just a regular dog and its owner.

"Would you like to pet my dog?" says the owner.

For this moment, the unpleasantries of life leave the man. As his hand runs over the eager dog's back and ears, his normally unmovable face cracks a smile for the first time in ages.

The goal for Therapy Dogs Inc. is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.

"My husband Jack and I formed the company in July of 1990," said co-founder Ann Butrick. "Jack passed away in 1992, and we've been continuing his dream ever since. Now, we have dogs of all different sizes and varieties."

Created in Cheyenne, the company has grown to about 10,500 human members and 12,000 canines in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. The local chapter performs weekly visits to Cheyenne hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and schools. Most visits last an hour or less, and the frequency and area visited is up to the volunteer.

The program is wonderful, said Billie Smith, TDI administrative manager. It's a reward to see the smiles of those who are helped by the dogs.

"We also go to elementary schools to help out children with their reading skills," Mrs. Butrick said. "The child is asked to read to the dogs. They are so enthralled by the dog that their reading skills are enhanced. They forget about their problem and just read correctly."

Animal-assisted activities have grown in popularity within the last few years. The majority of the growth in Therapy Dogs Inc. has happened recently, Mrs. Smith said. Any volunteers who want to join are welcome.

It's rewarding to put a smile on the faces of people visited, said Capt. Jutta Cortes, 90th Space Wing Plans and Programs, who joined the program in July with her dog Castor. Castor is a German sheppard who retired as a military working dog.

"I wanted to show how a police dog could be rehabilitated and become a therapy dog," Captain Cortes said. "He seems to like being the center of attention, and I wanted to give back to the community. This was the perfect program. Just to see the sparkle in their eyes makes it all worthwhile."

Those interested in joining may call (877) 843-7364, reach the Cheyenne office at (307) 432-0272 for the Cheyenne office or visit http://www.therapydogs.com.

It's time for the owner and the dog to depart. The no-longer-troubled man eases back onto his bed, remembering when he had owned a dog in the past. A smile touches his lips as he waits patiently for the next visit.