If you have a friendly dog and you both like to help people, this may be for you.
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program needs volunteers in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby Counties.
The program brings pet companionship to both children and adults who may be hospitalized, adults residing in long term care facilities, children struggling with reading or victims of trauma and crimes.
Martha Cassidy and her standard poodle Walker have been in the program since 2011.
They’re a familiar sight in the area, visiting the Yarmouth Regional Hospital weekly.
She says they usually stop by the outpatient waiting room on their way out.
“I think Walker likes the idea he might encounter a child or a baby. Almost everybody has been at outpatients at one time or another. You may be in pain, you may be feeling lousy or fearful. The dogs sense that and absorb that.”
Cassidy says there are 19 active therapy dog teams in the Tri-Counties but more are needed.
Here’s some contact information if you’re interested:
https://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Serv…
Martha Cassidy 902-742-7650 or St. John Ambulance 1-800-565-5056 Ext. 92302
(Martha Cassidy and her St. John Ambulance therapy dog Walker-CJLS News)
