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Testimonial from
" When Karisto came into our lives I was intent upon
training him to
do Pet Partner work under the auspices of the Delta Society which I'd
been aware of for 17 years. We've always had dogs but it wasn't the
right time in my life to train them for therapy work. Karisto's
size, temperament and non-shedding coat make him an ideal team
partner! His name, with a little poetic license, is from the Greek
for "thank you" or gratitude.
We alternate our weekly visits between the local hospital
and the
retirement home. Our individual visits are at most 3-5 minutes and
our total morning visiting time is never more than 1 1/2 hours. When
Karisto has a bath the night before, he knows this means work the
next day! He loves his green Delta vest with his official volunteer
badges. When we walk down the hospital hallways he smiles and holds
his head proudly. He is especially eager to see his constant
friends- the nurses and staff-they adore the friendly way he greets
them with tail wagging the moment he recognizes them!
We tap on each door to ask if the patient wants a visit
from a little
4- footed friend. Most of the time we are welcomed in and amidst
lots of patting we learn about the patients' dogs in times past and
how much they were loved and are now missed. People always thank us
for taking the time to visit but we find we get immense pleasure in
these small exchanges.
The training for Pet Partner work is fun and purposeful.
It pays off
in many ways at home too. I can't imagine another more perfect dog
for cheering up people who are ill or lonely. Just a soft pat and
hands, that were clenched, become relaxed and faces that seemed sad
fill with smiles.
The power of this work is in its simplicity!"
Katharine W. Harding @3/5/2010
www.deltasociety.org
Katharine Harding
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willowbrookcavaliers@nationsnetwork.net