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“Tails” from the Helen Woodward Animal Center
in Rancho Santa Fe
The story of Joe touches our hearts and reminds us of the power of this amazing program. There are many traditional treatments for dealing with clients who are suffering from the effects of a stroke and other traumas, but the most effective “medicine” of all doesn’t come from a prescription.
The joy and unconditional love that the amazing animals of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pet Encounter Therapy (P.E.T.) program provide to our clients, not only lifts their spirits and eases their pain, but it has been scientifically proven to decrease depression and lower their blood pressure.
Our special animal ambassadors include rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, dogs, cats, and reptiles. Every client’s needs can be met by a specific animal here at Helen Woodward Animal Center, so we know we will al ways be able to connect with them regardless of their condition.
The dogs and cats belong to our volunteers and staff and are specially certified to participate in the program. The other P.E.T. animals in our care are primarily rescued animals that have found their way to the Center and now have a second chance at a home and happiness, which is something that many of our clients can relate to in their own lives.
Harriet, the cockatoo, has provided therapy to clients since 1994. Here she demonstrates her award-winning cuddling with Meghan Trejo, Special Events Supervisor.
Harriet the Cockatoo Rocks
Harriet is a phenomenal bird that is touching the lives of those with limited mobility by sharing special encounters like she was able to provide for “Joe.” Harriet is an Umbrella Cockatoo and has been here since May, 1994.
Harriet had several homes before coming to us. She was kept by a man who moved her into his basement where she screamed all day long. She was rescued from that situation by a neighbor who traveled too much to give her enough attention and eventually she was donated to the Center where she has earned awards for her work in therapy.
Many of the clients Harriet sees are going through the painful adjustment to life without control of their bodies and to have this type of stimulating tactile interaction is especially meaningful.
Chester is always a hit at Sharp Mary Birch hospital as he snuggles against expectant mothers, hospitalized with a high risk pregnancies. Pictured here at the Center with Meghan Trejo.
Dogs Comfort Children
in Crisis
In addition to working with seniors, a large part of our outreach efforts are directed towards children and teens, including UCSD Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services and The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, which is a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care. Sadly, each month nearly 200 children ages birth to 18 years old are admitted to the Polinsky Children’s Center.
The P.E.T. program visits Polinsky two times per week through the generosity of our funding partner, Promises2Kids. Our work at Polinsky Center is to provide comfort to these children in crisis. Whether they are walking a sweet Labrador, Sadie, or snuggling into our gigantic Newfoundland named Chocolate Mousse, these children are giving and receiving the love and affection they are desperately craving during this painful ordeal.
A Hit with High-Risk Moms-To-Be
The Center is always seeking new clients who might benefit from the P.E.T. program, so in the past few years we have added two new organizations, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns High-Risk Pregnancy Care—The Perinatal Special Care Unit (PSCU), and OASIS for Active Duty Service Members who have previously sought outpatient treatment options for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Our little dachshund/spaniel mix, Chester, is always a hit at Sharp Mary Birch, as he snuggles against the pregnant bellies of these hospitalized mothers who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a healthy baby through difficult complications.
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Therapy dogs visit many convalescent centers and lift the spirits of the residents. (Left) Oz, Chester and their assistants, volunteers Mary Milton and Diane Erth.
He is the true embodiment of the human-animal bond and all the beauty this relationship has to offer.
Helping Military Members Deal With PTSD
We all follow the headlines and know about the incredible sacrifices that our men and women in the armed forces are making to protect our freedoms and way of life. Perhaps you have even heard about some of their struggles upon returning home to their families and their lives once their deployments are over.
Whether they are on the front lines in Iraq or driving a humvee in Afghanistan, they have put their lives on the line daily for 6 months or more and have been in some terrifying situations that are difficult to put behind them upon returning home. This situation is compounded if they have been physically injured during their deployment and are also recuperating from the pain and loss resulting from that injury.
Some returning soldiers have difficulty readjusting to life at home. The P.E.T. Program, in conjunction with OASIS, strives to assist the soldiers with PTSD.
These brave men and women are proud to serve their country and do not want to feel like victims, but yet they are under pressure to find a way to deal with their overwhelming feelings of stress, anxiety, and oftentimes even fear. Here at Helen Woodward Animal Center we are committed to reaching out to those who have given so much of themselves for our community and our country.
In our efforts to connect with an organization that was working with our target audience, we found The OASIS. The OASIS is designed to meet the needs of Active Duty Service Members who have previously sought outpatient treatment options for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and have struggled for wellness; bringing to light a requirement for a heightened level of treatment.
They utilize a balanced schedule of activities which promotes both structure and personal responsibility. Time is allotted for individual reflection, family involvement, and community outings.
The OASIS was able to incorporate (P.E.T.) visits on the campus of Helen Woodward Animal Center within their schedule of activities and saw the immediate benefits to their clients. P.E.T. provides with the unconditional love of animals, a number of s including the reduction of stress, lowered blood pressure, and a decrease in the need for medication.
Planning the June 4 event are (from left) Scott Ambrose and Karen May from Del Mar’s Fish Market Restaurant, one of the title sponsors, and the 2011 Co-chairs Lisa Harrison, Kerry Appleby Payne, Charlene Hooker, and Elizabeth Wohlford MacLeod
Animals do not judge us or put parameters on their affection, instead they offer their love without need for explanation or even much encouragement.
For someone who is struggling with a sense of loss, frustration, sadness, and considerable stress, animals can truly provide a type of relief that is stronger than any prescription or medical treatment. It is pure joy when our animals connect with the soldiers and they are able to relax and just “be” in that moment.
The OASIS program travels to the Center once a month for a two hour session with the P.E.T. program. Eight to twelve participants spend 1½ hours visiting with our program animals, socializing with adoptable dogs, and touring around the Center.
The last half hour is spent working on a volunteer project at the Center. The volunteering is an important component to their healing and they truly enjoy giving back. We are honored to serve our armed forces in this small way.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
6461 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 756-4117
www.animalcenter.org
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