(MY) On Dr.Dog

[Guest guest]

Saturday June 16, 2007 - The Star

 

Clearing the air

 

I was disappointed to read the response of some quarters to the launch

of Animals Asia's Dr Dog programme in Malaysia. I feel it is important

that I clarify some of the misunderstandings, not just because of the

potential damage such unwarranted fear-mongering brings to the

reputation of our own programme, but also because it does a grave

disservice to the thousands of hardworking therapy dogs around the

world.

 

We have been operating our highly successful Dr Dog animal-therapy

programme in Asia for 16 years. In that time, there has not been a

single incident of a dog either barking at a wheelchair or snapping at

patients. But this is hardly surprising given that all our potential

canine applicants must undergo rigorous screening and continual

monitoring.

 

Animals Asia pioneered the concept of animal therapy in Hong Kong back

in 1991 and we now operate in six countries. We are thrilled to be

launching the programme in Kuala Lumpur through our local

representatives, Furry Friends Farm.

 

Dedicated volunteers now escort over 250 registered animal-therapy

dogs on regular visits to hospitals, disabled centres, homes for the

young and elderly, orphanages and schools throughout Asia. Either a

highly trained member of the Animals Asia team or an appointed

volunteer co-ordinator goes on each visit. In Hong Kong alone, our

devoted Dr Dogs gave 1,300 hours of community service last year,

benefiting more than 100 organisations.

 

Safety is always a top priority, so before potential Dr Dogs can even

enter our stringent selection process, they must meet a number of

criteria.

 

They have to be at least two years old; they must have lived with

their current family for at least six months; they must be desexed;

and they must have been vaccinated against rabies as well as

distemper, hepatitis, leptospira, parainfluenza, parvovirus and

adenovirus. Fighting breeds are banned from even trying out.

 

Once dogs are deemed eligible, they undergo a rigorous examination by

two Animals Asia professionals to assess character, temperament and

obedience.

 

Next is a full, independent veterinary health check before they can be

registered as an Animals Asia therapy dog. All Dr Dogs remain on

permanent probation; they are monitored during each visit and their

behaviour is assessed to ensure they remain suitable for the

programme.

 

We also require proof of up-to-date vaccinations and general health

certificates on an annual basis. If either a Dr Dog or a volunteer is

feeling sick on the day of their scheduled visit, the visit is

postponed.

 

And yes, cross-breeds are just as welcome to join the programme as

pure breeds. It is the temperament of the dogs that is important, not

their pedigree. Some of our crossbreed Dr Dogs have proved to be

perfect therapists: patient, loving, loyal, content, eager and

completely unflappable.

 

And most importantly, they love their jobs and are incredibly popular

with the people they visit.

 

Dr Bear in Hong Kong, Dr Jumble in India, and, of course, Dr Eddie in

Hong Kong, who was rescued from a meat market in China, are among

these wonderful ambassadors; they not only bring amazing benefits to

those they visit, but also inspire change in the community by showing

how " mongrels " , " street dogs " and " food dogs " can integrate well into

society as well as provide a valuable social service.

 

These dogs, of course, are not simply plucked from the streets and

marched off into therapy. Some have been in loving homes all their

lives, others have been rescued from tragic circumstances, then

integrated into loving families before being assessed and passed as

therapy dogs.

 

Another important aspect of our Dr Dog programme is that we proudly

work with local groups in the countries in which we operate. There is

Blue Cross in India (whose first successful applicant was a street

dog), PAWS in the Philippines, Pets for Life in Japan and now Furry

Friends Farm in Kuala Lumpur. We believe it is essential to work with

these groups because they are best placed to address any culturally

sensitive issues that may arise.

 

We liaise closely with hospice and hospital staff who understand the

various needs of their patients and who then coordinate with our staff

and volunteers regarding the type of visits and size of dogs required.

We ensure that all our dogs are safe, healthy, clean and

parasite-free. The health professionals and, of course, the patients

are best able to judge the level of contact and whether the dogs

should be allowed on the beds.

 

We, and other professionals in the field, have long recognised that if

patients ask to hold a dog in their arms, and the medical staff agree,

then this is exactly the sort of therapy scientifically proven to show

why dogs are beneficial for our health. Simply being in the company of

dogs (and cats) is proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol

levels. The unconditional love of these dogs, and the " feel-good

factor " that comes with it, even boosts our immune systems.

 

We are in no doubt that our tail-wagging doctors are happy to oblige.

Our volunteers tell us that their dogs are always so excited when they

see their Dr Dog bandanas because it means they are going on a visit.

 

Our Dr Dog programme is publicly endorsed by the Hong Kong government,

which states that our " high standards of public safety and

organisation set an excellent example " (Dr David Burrows, Senior

Veterinary Officer, Agriculture, Conservation and Fisheries

Department).

 

And the medical profession: " Amidst the recent SARS and Avian Flu

frenzy, the Dr Dog programme remains one of the safest human-animal

interactions. Dr Dogs are fully vaccinated and screened rigorously for

good health and temperament. They certainly pose no threat to us and

yet they have much more to offer " (Dr Clifford Loo MBBS, (NSW) General

Practitioner in Hong Kong).

 

And the veterinary profession: " There have never been any reports of

injuries or disease transmission during the whole 16-year history of

the Dr Dog programme. This is due to the careful selection of

responsible owners who have well-socialised dogs that receive regular

veterinary health checks. Having healthy, vaccinated animals with

observant owners in the programme, virtually eliminates any chance of

disease transmission from Dr Dogs to people " (Dr Gail Cochrane BVMS

MRCVS)

 

Jill Robinson MBE

Founder and CEO

Animals Asia Foundation

www.animalsasia.org