By Lisa Ann Martin Special to The Desert Sun October 4th, 2002

A group of caring individuals shares beloved pets with bedridden and lonely people in the community.

Animal Assisted Therapy is a service that Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms provides for the benefit of those individuals residing in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities around the Coachella Valley.

Dogs, cats, birds and other well-behaved pets nuzzle up to patients, providing unconditional affection to those who lack it.

"The pets bring joy and comfort to the patients they visit on a regular basis," said Lorna Stanart, director of ATT orientations and hospital coordinator for Animal Samaritans. "We’ve found that some of the greatest difficulties nursing-home residents have to overcome are boredom and loneliness. The animals divert a person’s attention from the pressing problems of the day."

As more nursing homes spring up around the valley, the therapy program continues to expand to new facilities.

"Everyone benefits from the mere presence of the animals -- residents, visitors and staff," said Gail Roche, owner of 3-year-old miniature poodle, Itsey Bitsey. "It’s a major distraction and allows patients to focus on something other than being sick. Dogs don’t want to talk about medicine."

At the request of Eisenhower Medical Center’s administration, Animal Samaritans’ therapy dogs are the only pets working at EMC, Stanart said. The dogs visit the oncology, orthopedic and pediatric wards at least twice a month.

In hospital wards, the pets motivate patients to exercise and thus strengthen weak muscles as well as provide emotional comfort, Stanart said. Lowered blood pressure, diversion from pain and anxiety, and increased ability to focus brain activity are some of the additional benefits to the human body, she said.

"The patients respond to the dogs in a therapeutic and positive way," said Betty Battista, registered nurse on the oncology ward at EMC. "The visits often trigger good memories of their pets and when shown affection, the patients respond with affection. Instead of human touch, they receive an animal's touch, which is so important for people that love and have pets."

The Animal Assisted Therapy program is in need of more dogs and other pets because the demand is so great and the results, so tremendous, Stanart said.

Applicants attend a two-hour orientation where they are screened and evaluated on a one-on-one basis with an experienced trainer and behaviorist.

Animals are checked for their reactions to sudden, loud noises, and their actions around people using wheelchairs, canes or walkers, Stanart said. Dogs must walk on a leash and sit for petting.

The best candidates are calm, confident and friendly with a good temperament, Stanart said. The animal should spend a lot of time out in public, enjoying the attention of all people.

The usual time commitment is a one-hour visitation every two weeks and grooming preparation before each visit.

"It’s been said there is no greater therapy than the love of a dog," said Gerald Pozen, director of development for the Animal Samaritans. "This animal/human bond is the basis for what is becoming a powerful, common mode of therapy in many long-term health care facilities."

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2002