Animal Assisted Therapy Brings Love and Companionship

Written by Jessica Bernstein, RedCross.org

March 14, 2002 — Maggie Wiskeyman may not be the oldest nor the youngest Red Cross volunteer but she's likely the furriest. For two years, Maggie, a golden retriever, and her human mom, Ginny Wiskeyman, visited Dean Martin at the Audubon Villa nursing home in Lititz, Pa. Dean suffered from multiple sclerosis and was unable to speak, sit up or control his arms or legs. On their first visit, Ginny put Maggie on a chair so that Dean could see her. Dean showed his approval with a big smile. Later, Maggie would jump onto the chair as soon as she entered the room, so that she and Dean could see each other.

"Happy" brings joy to a nursing home resident.

Maggie and Ginny volunteer for the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program of the American Red Cross of Susquehanna Valley (Pa.). The program uses the human-animal bond to improve the quality of life for people living in nursing homes and juvenile detention centers. Visiting with animals can ease depression and loneliness and provide welcome changes to established routines. Volunteers report that nursing home residents often became more active and responsive during and after their visits with animals. Volunteers feel the benefits as well.

Although Dean Martin could not speak or move, his mind was clearly functioning. Ginny Wiskeyman discovered that she could "talk" with Dean through a unique form of communication established by Dean's nurses. The nurse would ask a question and when Dean looked like he wanted to answer, the nurse would begin saying the alphabet. When she got to the right letter, Dean would blink. This process continued until Dean spelled out his reply. By communicating with Dean in this way, Ginny learned that he loved dogs and used to have three Saint Bernards. Ginny recalls the moment she decoded that statement from Dean. "I flipped out at the idea of caring for three Saint Bernards since I can barely manage one golden retriever! I could see that Dean was laughing in his own way."

Dean passed away in January 2002 and Ginny will miss him. But she's glad that she had the opportunity to get to know him. "At first I was uncomfortable because I didn't know how to communicate with Dean. But after a couple of visits it wasn't hard at all. He couldn't respond but I could tell from his eyes that a visit from Maggie and me brightened his day."

The Susquehanna Valley chapter began their Animal Assisted Therapy program in 1985 with the help of the Lancaster Humane League. The program has grown since then and now 120 human volunteers and their companion animals visit 47 sites throughout the Lancaster and Harrisburg areas. The pets and their caretakers visit more than 500 people during an average month.

View a video clip about this program

Chapter Executive Timothy English jokes that he may be the only executive in the United States who has three rabbits on his staff. Oreo, Jessie and Henry even have their own ID cards so clients will know they're official Red Cross representatives. They don't pull down a salary, however, unless you count the carrots they eat.

Cindy Drob, her 11-year old daughter Aimee, and their rabbits Harvey and Chrystal volunteer for the Animal Assisted Therapy program. "We became volunteers because we have a lot of pets at our house. I know they're therapy for me, to be home with all of these animals… and I just wanted to share it with other people" says Cindy. Aimee, holding 18-pound Harvey, says, "It's easy to be a volunteer because all you have to do is get your picture taken, sign up, and show up."

The program benefits the animals as well. Ginny Wiskeyman adopted Maggie from the Harrisburg Humane League in 1999. Maggie's previous owners had literally left her out in the cold and Maggie suffered three frostbitten toes that later had to be amputated. But she had a wonderful personality and was perfectly suited to being a therapy dog. When she adopted Maggie, Ginny was already planning to sign them up for the Red Cross Animal Assisted Therapy Program. Now Maggie is a seasoned volunteer. Ginny explains, "When I get Maggie's ID tags off the closet door, she gets so excited. She loves being a volunteer. Sometimes clients wish they had a doggie treat to give her but for Maggie the treat is all the attention she's getting." Maggie gives as much as she gets -- after a visit she settles in at home for a long nap.

Esther Reghler enjoys a visit with a Red Cross staff rabbit and a young volunteer.

Marguerite Herrold has volunteered with the AAT program for 12 years. Marguerite observes that animals have a magic touch with people in nursing homes. She recalls a 100-year-old woman who thanked Marguerite and her dog, Happy for visiting. The centenarian told Marguerite, "When I was living with my parents my mother wouldn't allow me to have a dog. Then when I got married, my husband wouldn't let me have a dog either. So thank you so much for visiting and bringing Happy." Marguerite's cat, Smokey also visits the nursing homes on occasion. Being a cat, she doesn't work too hard on the job -- she is fond of sitting in a wheelchair and allowing people to push her around.

Marguerite has also brought Happy to visit young people at a juvenile detention center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Center residents, who range in age from 10-17, enjoy the opportunity to talk with other people and to pet and play with the animals. As usual, Happy was a hit, mostly for his outgoing and engaging personality, since Happy isn't too cooperative about doing tricks. One 12-year-old boy was determined to teach Happy how to lie down and roll over. After multiple attempts to get Happy interested in performing, in desperation the young man lay down on the floor himself and rolled over. Happy still wouldn't cooperate but the other residents and visitors had a good laugh.

Rob Sloan, Manager of Community and Volunteer Services at the Susquehanna Valley Chapter considers the program a great success. "Animal Assisted Therapy is a magnificent program. You have to see the impact that it has on people to truly appreciate it. Caring individuals and the human-animal bond make such a difference to people who desperately need companionship. Residents of care facilities love the attention and service; they come out of their shell when the animals visit. The volunteers gain a sense of productivity and community participation plus they develop job and life skills."

And the animals? They're thrilled to be showered with love and attention and tired when their jobs are done.

For more information about this chapter, visit the Susquehanna Valley Chapter Web site.