The Pigster and I have just been chosen by the Denver Pet Partners program (part of the American Humane Association and the Delta Society) to start training on becoming a Therapy Team to conduct animal assisted therapy (AAT) in the Denver and Colorado Springs area! If you're wondering what AAT is, here's a link with more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal-Assisted_Therapy
Pet therapy teams visit hospitals, schools, acute care, long-term care facilities, hospice care, etc., to assist patients and clients with their recovery and facilitate improved physical, mental, and social skills. Most therapy animals are dogs, but cats, horses, and other animals are also used in the program. Animals who are chosen for this work are required to have exceptional social skills and patience with all types of people. Piglet was chosen because of her friendly, outgoing, yet sweet and calm personality. She is so good with people, but she's especially patient with children and the elderly.
My training with Denver Pet Partners will start in Oct 09, then Piglet and I will get evaluated later in the month to determine our readiness to be a pet therapy team. We will also work with an experienced therapy team facilitator for awhile until we are ready to visit facilities on our own.
Doing this kind of work, especially with my best pal Piglet, is a dream come true! Needless to say, if we pass and get certified, Piglet and I will be the first sphynx cat/person therapy team in Colorado! Please wish us luck!! :tinysmile_fatgrin_t
Pet therapy teams visit hospitals, schools, acute care, long-term care facilities, hospice care, etc., to assist patients and clients with their recovery and facilitate improved physical, mental, and social skills. Most therapy animals are dogs, but cats, horses, and other animals are also used in the program. Animals who are chosen for this work are required to have exceptional social skills and patience with all types of people. Piglet was chosen because of her friendly, outgoing, yet sweet and calm personality. She is so good with people, but she's especially patient with children and the elderly.
My training with Denver Pet Partners will start in Oct 09, then Piglet and I will get evaluated later in the month to determine our readiness to be a pet therapy team. We will also work with an experienced therapy team facilitator for awhile until we are ready to visit facilities on our own.
Doing this kind of work, especially with my best pal Piglet, is a dream come true! Needless to say, if we pass and get certified, Piglet and I will be the first sphynx cat/person therapy team in Colorado! Please wish us luck!! :tinysmile_fatgrin_t