MOUNT VERNON — Two therapists at Hospice of Knox County are undisputed experts at giving their clients unconditional love. They don’t have to work at it or think about it or even study it, because unconditional love is what they’re all about; it’s part of their nature.
Thor, a 5-month-old male Maine Coon cat, and Emerald, an 8-year-old female Golden Retriever, are pet therapists. Their particular brand of therapy uses soft and loving eyes, paws to shake, fur to stroke, ears that listen without interrupting and, perhaps most helpful of all, love without judgment.
Emerald is a Canine Companion for Independence dog. CCI is a national nonprofit organization that trains golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers — breeds known for their gentleness and intelligence — to be assistance, companion, service and hearing dogs, as well as “facility placement” dogs, which are utilized by rehabilitation professionals to improve the lives of patients under their care. The expense of breeding, raising and training a canine companion is funded through private donations.
“Emerald is very social and loves people,” said Cindy Thompson, director of community and supportive services at hospice, and Emerald’s owner. “She has a gift of knowing who needs her, and when people need her.”
Thompson explained that Emerald is a quiet and affectionate dog, that she “leans in” toward patients and wants to be close and sometimes lays her furry head on them.
Thor, who was named by Thompson’s 8-year-old son, Connor, is learning his therapist role. He’s still young enough to have lots of energy and curiosity, and is more easily distracted than Emerald.
But both provide something human therapists are unable to — that special bond most humans feel with companion animals.
“Some people relate more to animals than to people,” explained Thompson. “Animals provide emotional support. They also give people something else to think about, even if just for a few minutes. People have memories of their own pets. Emerald always amazes me with her ability to stimulate memories. Animals are peaceful, they distract, they bring joy. People trust them, open up, feel safe. And physical touch is therapy too. Animals are a way of providing comfort.”
Thompson has many memories of Emerald’s successes at hospice, including with one patient who was lingering at death’s door.
“We had a patient who was really struggling and near the end of his life. Everyone had said good-bye and he was modeling death. This particular patient loved dogs. They asked me to bring the dog to him, that maybe that would help. The patient was unresponsive.
“I took his hand and rubbed it over Emerald’s fur and said, ‘Emerald is here to say good-bye and that she is going to miss you.’”
The dog put her front legs up on the bed and stayed close to the patient while Thompson recalled aloud their previous visits and the patient’s favorite dogs. After they left the room, within 10 or 15 minutes, said Thompson, the patient passed away.
She explained that “animals also take down barriers and help in building rapport. Animal visitations reduce stress and anxiety.”
She told of an Alzheimer’s patient who was unresponsive, in a wheelchair and who hadn’t spoken in a long time.
“Emerald put her paws on the woman’s wheelchair, and the patient looked down at her, smiled and petted her,” said Thompson.
Thompson got Emerald through CCI and took two weeks of training at CCI’s Delaware satellite chapter.
“They taught me about dogs, that they are pack animals, that there has to be an alpha, how to lead, how to care for them, watch their health, brush their teeth and about grooming and exercise. And about their emotional health. They are very sensitive,” she said.
In fact, Emerald somehow knows what patients need, and understands when a patient doesn’t want her services or is afraid of dogs.
“She tells me when she doesn’t want to go,” said Thompson.
In the same manner, Emerald knows who needs her special brand of attention. Thompson tells of their visit to a high school classroom, where Emerald went directly to certain students. The teacher later told Thompson that those particular students were in turmoil and in need of comfort.
Thor can literally walk all over Emerald without upsetting the mild-mannered dog. She is trained not to lick people or jump on them, but Thompson said such gentleness is part of her nature, too.
“She’s had her tail run over by wheelchairs, and doors have been accidentally shut on her. She doesn’t mind,” said Thompson.
Emerald wears a blue CCI working jacket when she’s on duty, so people will understand her role and know that she’s on the job.
As with guide dogs for the blind, said Thompson, it’s best to ask before petting assistance and therapy dogs and respect that they are working.
Thompson said she loves her work with Thor and Emerald and her patients.
“It’s awesome. I have the perfect job,” she said. “If we can help people have good quality for the rest of their life, this is just one more way we can be of service.”
