Featured Animal Assisted Therapy Story
Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but the child or teenager pictured is probably not the patient in the story.“He is so, so soft.” These are the first words Skippy, the Tibetan Spaniel, hears when he does his pet therapy visits. He has been making the rounds now for over 7 years. He loves his visits. He gets so excited whenever he sees his Love On 4 Paws vest. Skippy taught himself to jump on a chair at home, so his vest could easily be buckled on him. Once he is “dressed”, he is raring to go. He usually visits with the staff before leaping on a patient’s bed to be petted and hugged. He smiles when it is time to have his photo taken with patients.
The visits are very gratifying and emotionally uplifting. Many people have pets they miss when they are in the hospital, and Skippy helps fill that void. Skippy has visited clergymen, dog trainers, people who had pets growing up, but do not have any now, and chemo patients, who relax just by petting Skippy. He has calmed children before surgical procedures and comforted many others who simply enjoyed the visit of a dog while in the hospital. Patients are always surprised that Skippy can lie in bed with them. He loves the smiles and hugs he receives. You can always tell by his big smile.
Skippy was honored with a plaque by West Hills Hospital and Medical Center when he had given 5 years of service. He was also given a special reception and doggy treats.
Legend states that all the Dali Lamas were raised with Tibetan Spaniels, and they often were given to important visitors as special gifts. Love on 4 Paws is the perfect opportunity to share the special gift of Skippy with others.
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