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,8 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" T More lovely pets like Ma Ambulance Therapy Dog Caroline Spielman NEW Patients' Smile PORT PERRY ggie here are needed to help out with the st John program. Maggie's joined here by her owner, n, left, and Lori Davis, a registered practical nurse. S Always Welcome Therapy dogs | in need at Port Perry hos pital, homes Dogs of all kinds welomed to join St. John Ambulance therapy group By Rik Davie Port Perry Star Maggie has what all people strive for: A job she loves. Maggie hears the call of her master, Caroline Spielmann, and sees the collar that designates her as a St. John Ambulance therapy dog and the stub that passes for a tail begins moving back and forth as the seven-year-old Rottwieller heads for the door. She is among the growing number of pets across the province who visit hospitals and nurs- ing homes to give patients a smile, a lick and a taste of the uncon- ditional love that dogs hand out better than any other creature. "They just make you feel good," Ms. Spielmann said. "It can be a bit of the real world for patients to see a dog." For many of the long- term care patients it may be the first interaction Drivers who talk on the telephone while driving are 4 times more likely to crash than their silent with an animal in years. But Maggie needs help. While three dogs share duties in the Uxbridge area, Maggie slugs it out in Port Perry with an increasingly greater call for her ser- vices. Lori Davis, a Registered Practical Nurse who acts as a liai- son for the program, said more teams are desper- ately needed in both Pert Perry and Uxbridge. "It is a proven fact that just the presence of the dog lowers blood pressure in some patients," Ms. Davis said. "A dog doesn't care if you have been scared or burned or what your physical limitations might be. Their love is unconditional and thera- peutic." Dogs and their han- dlers who want to take on the very gratifying job of therapy visits are put through a session where their suitability for visits is tested. Basic obedi- ence is a must as well as a friendly and curious nature. Behaviour of both the animal and the handler is put to the test in the one-day session that sees most of the ed dog tag of a St. John Ambulance therapy dog. Handlers must be able to commit to a reg- ular schedule of visits to nursing homes, care facilities or hospitals in their areas. Two hours a week at set times is enough to put a dog team on the road to a gratifying community service. The number of visits is not as important as the regular timing of them. Maggie's clients know when she will be visiting and many plan their days around the entrance of the big, friendly, lumbering fig- ure who offers a paw, a lick or just the comfort of her presence to resi- dents who miss the com- fort of a beloved family pet or are shy around caregivers but come alive at the sight of Maggie's big, dark loving eyes. Whatever the amount of time you and your canine friend can give, your help is needed to carry on this successful and caring program that proves dog truly is mankind's best friend. For more information, please call Caroline Spielmann at 905-985- counterparts. applicants get the covet- 0411. * Dr. J. Cottrell » Dr. J. Hardy ° Dr. L. Gideon * Dr. C. Banfield » Dr. L. Poranganel ¢ Dr. H. Dewar PULL OVER, * Dr. T. King (Orthodontist) © Dr. T. Mcintyre (Periodontist) ROAD WATCH® TO TALK IT Www.portperrystar. com OVER. Today's Smile... ---- For more info call 1-888-579-1520 x 2670 FORDER-PARKS INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 34 Water Street, Port Perry All Lines of General Insurance DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE | AZ) Including © Claims Free Mortgage Free : BN * Seniors © New Home © Multi-Policy Convenient Pavment Plans Avalable Call for a a Competitive Quote A I. 985-8471 Thani BIGFOOT THE pW BIGFOOT EVEN 2 F¢ FOR BEATE GANT BEAT pr nn SRY be 1s Wi Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing ill it gets there. > MILESTONES ¢ i on yo Congratulations Steven Cochrane Durham College - June 2000 Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Presidents Honour Roll Durham College - June 15, 2001 Power Engineering Technician Steven bas moved to Layfetteye Louisiana and bas accepted a position with Schlumburg. Dental Care Far The Entire Family N Evening & Saturday OC Appointments Available Please Call 905-985-8451 Visit our website: www.iluvmydentist.com i oll PIZZA, SUS © &WINGS 80 Waller Sty [Poi [Permy 905-985-8448 ll a oJ BF 2s Ta VAN 215 Tol So] (Jo) 0 \V XY {21 (aT) Yee [elo NEIL [ale] | We are very proud of your accomplishments! Love Mom, Dad and Kevin =k THEY TRY... BUT THE 'tos Hearn} 4 Es Pluss 8 arn rT Flavoured RE on rT Sveeohanater ; Popping corn RHO, Jd59 8 pack COMPETITION CANT MEASURE UP TO BIGF NOBODY BEATS BIGFOOT. 3 WE DELIVER TO THESE AREAS Caesarea. Seagrave, Greenbank, Utica, Epsom,