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NEWS | Feb. 4, 2009

It’s puppy love for Langley patients, staff

By Capt. Tracy Bunko 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Red Cross volunteer Melanie Paul and her certified therapy dog Molly not only bring comfort to patients and their families at the Langley Air Force Base hospital, they bring smiles to the faces of the staff there as well. 

The 3-year-old Sheltie and her handler walk the halls every Friday from 1 to 2 p.m., visiting rooms and making dozens of new friends along the way. On their visit Jan. 30, no one seemed immune. Volunteers, active-duty Airmen, sick, well, young and old -- everyone stopped to admire Molly. 

"We're there to give emotional support to the patients," said Mrs. Paul. "A patient might be withdrawn or nervous and Molly can sometimes help them express themselves. Petting or talking to her draws them out and encourages them to communicate." 

According to Mrs. Paul, the benefits of the program are numerous. For the staff, she explained, a dog can not only bring cheer, but can reduce stress and give them a much needed break in their daily routine. A therapy dog can also encourage increased communication and socialization between the staff and patients. 

"This is really new at Langley, but it is not uncommon at other hospitals," said Col. Vennessa Hagan about the program, now on its fourth week at Langley. As the hospital's chief nurse, she says she has already seen results. "It's amazing how much being around a dog decreases a patient's anxiety, and not just the patients; it's great for family members too. Waiting for a loved one can be just as stressful as undergoing treatment. Molly can really lighten their mood." 

The effect is not a surprise to Mrs. Paul, who holds both a bachelors degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling and guidance. 

"Just petting the dog is very soothing," she said. "Just last week a lady told me [visiting with Molly] was the highlight of her stay." 

Mrs. Paul and two of her three Shelties - her new puppy is too young to be certified - have been doing animal assisted therapy for 11 years, but she first met with Colonel Hagan in December 2008 to discuss bringing the program here. 

"I am hoping this is a starting point with other Air Force bases across the United States," said Mrs. Paul, the wife of an Air Force retiree, she feels the program could be helpful to military members. "Someone who was deployed and having trouble readjusting, someone who was wounded, veterans...really anyone who is hurt could benefit. I like sharing my dogs with people." 

To do so Mrs. Paul makes about 10 visits per week to veteran's hospitals, schools, even a library reading program, and has volunteered to assist counseling efforts after a natural disaster. "I would do more'" she said, "but I also have a full time job with the state." 

Molly is certified through Therapy Dogs International, Inc., a volunteer program that has more than 19,000 registered dog/handler teams operating in all 50 states. TDI uses the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test with additional requirements such as being tested around medical equipment to make sure the dog is a good fit for therapy programs. 

"They are looking for soundness, personality, and interaction with people and other dogs," explained Mrs. Paul. "They have to not bark or jump around. They have to be very obedient. They have to just have wonderful dispositions." 

Although Mrs. Paul's dogs are all Shelties, she says the program is open to any type of dog. 

"They aren't really looking for a certain breed. Some of the dogs are purebred, some are rescued, some are mixed breed. One of Michael Vick's dogs is now a therapy dog," she said. "It all depends on their personality and their willingness to interact with people."
She is quick to point out though that there is a rigorous screening process for certification. 

"There is a difference in just bringing your dog and having a dog that is licensed. Certified therapy dogs are insured, their health has to be checked every year. I have to wipe her down with special wipes before we [visit a facility]. I even have to brush her teeth," she said. 

She doesn't seem to mind. In fact she said she is looking forward to retiring soon so she can add even more visits to her schedule. 

"We have met so many wonderful patients and wonderful staff that it's too many to list them," she said, but she does recall one particularly memorable visit. 

"There was a young lady who had a car accident. She was 24 years old. She could not move, so I brought Molly to her. I really enjoyed those visits because even though she couldn't get out of bed Molly could interact with her," she said. 

"What I enjoy the most is seeing the smiles on their faces, seeing people react to my dog," she added. "She's my pride and joy."