LOCAL LIFE
Therapy dogs return to Hawkesbury Hospital
Doggone , that ’ s just wonderful ! Therapy dog handlers Wendy and Amanda with their patient pooches , Rosie and Sunny , who are obviously delighted to visit Hawkesbury Hospital patient , Carlo . On hand for the occasion are Windsor Rotarians , Rod Hartas ( l ) and Greg Hoile . Photos : Kathryn Johnston . by Greg Martin
A chance meeting over tea and scones at Sackville Church ’ s café , has led to Hawkesbury Hospital once again becoming a venue visited by Nepean Therapy Dogs .
Last April , Rod Hartas , assistant secretary of Windsor Rotary , was there enjoying a morning tea with his wife , Margaret , when two handlers and their therapy dogs also called in for a cuppa .
Margaret and Rod spent an enjoyable time in their company , with the dog handlers explaining to them what dog therapy was all about .
“ The ladies explained that Nepean Therapy Dogs is a registered charity which provides trained therapy visitation dog teams to the community through schools , hospitals , aged care facilities , universities and community groups ,” Rod explained .
“ They said the dogs and their handlers are trained to aid people in the community overcome and cope with stressful events .
“ The dogs do not jump , bark or show any forms of aggressions , and that over
the years they have given much comfort and support to those under stressful situations .”
Rod asked the handlers would Nepean Therapy Dog staff be interested in attending a Windsor Rotary meeting and addressing the membership on therapy dogs .
The handlers said they would be delighted to pass on the request , and a month later Nepean Therapy Dogs president and treasurer , Nicole Celeban , gave an insightful presentation to an enrapt group of Rotarians .
“ We learned that therapy dog visits were made to Hawkesbury Hospital until 2019 when St John of God Health Care took over the running of the facility , but with the following month ’ s takeover of the hospital by the NSW Government , she believed that therapy dog visits could be resumed ,” Rod said . And so they have ! At the end of the meeting , Windsor Rotary made a much-appreciated donation to Nepean Therapy Dogs , with Rod hinting that an ongoing annual donation was on the cards .
Volunteer handlers and dogs are assessed and if they receive the tick of approval they are provided with full training and support .
There are seven steps to a handler and a therapy dog forming a partnership and stepping out in the community to bring a bit of joy into the lives of people in need . Step 1 : Dog behaviour assessment . Step 2 : Training assessment . Step 3 : Dog obedience training . Step 4 : Therapy Dog training . Step 5 : A professional dog groomer teaches the handler how to clean dogs to hospital standards . Step 6 : Role playing and obedience test . Step 7 : Handlers are scenario trained on what to expect in the field , how to prepare , to understand , avoid risk and stay safe .
For all the good oil on Nepean Therapy Dogs and information about much-needed donations go to therapydogs . com . au or ring 4702 3990 .
8 ISSUE 174 // NOVEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT