Pet therapy program lends a helping paw to young people in youth protection
Therapy may seem intimidating to some, but when your therapist has four legs, a wagging tail, and is covered in fur, the process might feel a little less scary.
That’s the theory behind Batshaw’s new pet therapy program. It began as a pilot project a year ago, and after months of success, it will soon be permanent, the organization says.
“A lot of times the youth that we work with feel as if they’re not deserving of kindness and gentleness,” said Elana Hersh one of Batshaw’s group home managers.
“The dogs are just there, and they’re loving and friendly. It’s an unconditional support and help that they give them,” she said.
The Batshaw Foundation has raised enough money to hire four pet therapists to run a weekly program at a handful of locations.
“Studies have shown that petting a dog lowers a stress hormone called cortisol and increases oxytocin which is referred to as the 'feel good' hormone,” said Isabel Poulin, one of Batshaw’s pet therapists.
Poulin has worked for Batshaw as an educator for 20 years, and as a pet therapist since the pilot project began.
Since 2016, she has also run her own company called Pawz Thérapie, which aims to create safe spaces for at-risk youth through animal therapy.
“Pet therapy helps many clients and students who suffer from mental health challenges. For example, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation,” said Poulin.
However, not just any dog can assist a pet therapist.
“The dog must have their obedience training as well as be screened by a pet therapist to ensure that they have all the qualifications to work with people in different settings,” said Poulin.
“A dog may be good in the home, but be reactive to high sounds such as school bells or yelling from a youth who is in crisis,” she added.
The therapy dogs have been such a success at Batshaw that several youth have asked for full time, live-in pups. Hersh says the animals could help in a variety of other settings, too.
“It’s not common that a 12-year-old would have to go sit in a courtroom all day. Unfortunately our kids have to go to court sometimes. So if there could be an animal therapy dog at court that could help those kids,” said Hersh.
The team at Batshaw hopes to expand the pet therapy program once more funding is available.
LISTEN ON CJAD 800 RADIO: Elena Hirsh from Batshaw Group Home Manager joins Elias Makos to discuss Pet therapy, and the benefits it can provide to younger generations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.