One of the most popular Planetree components at Alliance Community Hospital is pet therapy.  The Paws and Reflect Volunteer Pet Therapy Program hosts approximately 25 dogs and their handlers, all members of the Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

On Sunday, May 2nd, a special program is planned to not only spotlight the hospital’s pet therapy program, but to also help educate youth on pet safety and care.

The “Canine Carnival” is open to all youth in the area, but parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to accompany their child (ren).  This no-charge program will be held at the Alliance Friend’s Church pavilion in Alliance beginning at 1:00 p.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.  The church address is 1307 W State, Alliance, but the pavilion can be reached from Fernwood St.

Reservations are requested in order to plan for all attendees, and they can be made by calling the volunteer department at ACH, 330-596-7822 or 330-596-7821 before Thursday, April 29th.  A maximum of 75 participants will be accepted for the program.

“We have a wonderful pet therapy program at ACH, and we want to share with others the difference this program makes for our patients, visitors and staff.  All of our visiting dogs have passed the TDI requirements, and then are mentored by our TDI certified mentors a minimum of four times before they can make visits independently,” explains Marcy Todd, volunteer coordinator at ACH.

“If we can save even one child from being injured by a dog, our mission is accomplished”, shared Ruth DeFranco, a member of the Paws and Reflect program.  “We love dogs, but we have learned there is a right and wrong way to approach a dog.  Our program helps teach children, and adults, the proper techniques to use.”

A full two hours of education and fun have been planned for the day.  Some of the topics that will be covered include:  pet safety (how to approach a strange dog and what to do when a strange dog approaches you), what makes a good therapy dog, special readings and why is pet therapy so important to the hospital. 

Participants will also rotate through a variety of activity centers, some of which include:  Reading to Rover, Rescue Animals, Canine Agility, Canine Safety Quiz and Therapy Dogs and Hug a Dog,

Each child will receive a bag of practical and fun items to commemorate their participation in the program.  They will also have time to interact with the many dogs who participate in the Paws and Reflect program.  A special event will be the “Dog on a Hog” presentation by Bear, the Chihuahua, and owner Ruth DeFranco.

Cameras are welcome as there are sure to be some heartwarming pictures of the participants and the dogs!  Participants are asked not to bring their own dogs.

“We are adding yet another dimension to this program.  Any participant who would like to partner with one of the handlers and their dog to come in the first Saturday of each month to read to the residents of our Community Care Center nursing home are welcome to do so.  We feel by bringing the program back to ACH, the children will experience the value of volunteering, as well as witness what a positive difference pet therapy makes to our patients, families and staff,” explains Marcy Todd, volunteer coordinator.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the volunteer department at the hospital.