The ASH staff reports positive changes in the patients when the dogs come visit.
Our volunteers have also found pet therapy a rewarding and fun experience.
Divine Canines is associated with the Austin State Hospital (ASH), where our volunteers have been serving their residents. Here are just a few comments from the patients, staff and volunteer.
- The ladies and the dogs are a blessing. Hope they keep coming back.
- May God bless her and keep her. (Melissa handler and Ginger (dog)).
- Bring the dogs back again really soon.
- Pets help give us a home life environment and console us.
- Nice change of pace seeing the dogs!
- As you can see from the patients statements that they are really enjoying the visits. It reconnects them to the community and gives them a few moments to step away from their mental illness and enjoy these wonderful volunteers. We thank all the volunteers (yes, we consider the dogs volunteers) for bringing a few moments of happiness to our patients.
- Debbie Trammell, ASH Community Relations Director
- Lucchese and I were in the last ward for our visit, when I noticed a man standing about 4-6 ft behind me. Lucchese and I moved several times about the room, and I noticed the man behind me each time. He never approached myself or Lu, and never spoke. When time to leave was announced, I picked up Lu and turned towards the man. He smiled and immediately began to pet Lucchese. I told him that we had to end our visit for the day, but we would return in a couple of weeks. As we waited at the door to leave the ward, the gentleman tapped me on the shoulder, smiled, "signed" something (I do not know any sign language), and held out his hand to shake mine. I will remember the look in his eyes and the smile on his face for a very long time.
- Tami Stone and Lucchese, Divine Canine Therapy Dog Team