By Janet McAfee
The founder of Hearts & Paws is a 4-legged fellow named Lucky. This lovely Poodle-Terrier always went to work with his owner, Richard Waxman, and one day they met the nursing director at Valencia Palms Nursing Center in Indio, and the rest is history. Hearts and Paws was founded in 2000, and Lucky and Richard soon began enriching the lives of sometimes frail and ill patients in hospitals and nursing facilities. Lucky proved to be a very popular visitor at Valencia Palms and for the rest of his 12 years would curl up on the patients’ chests offering love and comfort. Sadly, this marvelous dog passed away in 2011.
Today 40 teams of volunteers and their dogs follow in Lucky’s paw prints, continuing his legacy of bringing comfort and healing to the sick and infirm in dozens of hospitals and assisted living centers. They wear identifying shirts and make the same rounds on each day of the week, and by the third week the dogs know the route. Animal assisted therapy involves the use of animals as a form of treatment, with the goal of improving a patient’s social, emotional and cognitive health.
Executive Director of Paws & Hearts, Richard Waxman, is pictured here with his two dogs, Scruffy and Maddie. It is no surprise that Scruffy and Maddie are also therapy dogs and participate in visits to Eisenhower Medical Center three times a week with Richard. Maddie, the newcomer, went on her first visit like she had been a therapy dog her entire life.
Scientific studies confirm that contact with dogs lowers blood pressure, decreases anxiety and depression, and has a healing impact upon humans. Cole’s 2007 study demonstrated that patients in critical care after heart failure had a significant decrease in cardiopulmonary pressure, neurohormone and anxiety levels if they received animal assisted therapy. For patients confined to a hospital room or assisted living center, a visit from one of these canine ambassadors may be the highlight of their day.
Dogs stimulate the minds of dementia patients. On Halloween a group of Alzheimer patients baked dog treats for the dogs that arrived in costume, and a week later everyone had a keen memory of the happy experience. The Coachella Valley is a retirement community and home to a great number of assisted living centers and hospitals. Paws & Hearts’ canine ambassadors are in high demand.
What does it take to become a therapy dog? Richard Waxman has temperament tested over a thousand dogs for his program, and only half of those have passed his evaluation. Richard explains, “More often, the problem is the human owner. This is not a program where you get to brag about your dog. This is not about how cute your dog is or about its championship status. We’re looking for dogs that are outgoing and friendly. Your dog has to immediately make a friendly overture to the patient. If you have a really good dog who likes everyone, he’s a good candidate for a therapy dog. The folks in long term care want someone to LISTEN to them.” The secret is the dog does most of the work, and his human is the facilitator.
There is no formal certification required to become a therapy dog. Every animal assisted therapy organization does their own temperament testing and training. The relationship between the owner and the dog is key. If a dog appears fearful or reluctant during his office visit with Richard, he is unlikely to be a good candidate. The animal must be at least one year old, be spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and with its current owner for at least six months. All breeds are welcome to apply, and large breeds such as Great Danes and Golden Retrievers participate. Some cats have participated, but most of them don’t like to travel in cars.
Richard explains, “You will never be more proud of your dog than when a patient tells you ‘Your dog made my day’ when he kisses their hand or takes a cookie from them. The dogs seem to know they’ve done a good job, and bask in the experience.” More dogs and volunteers are needed, and they need to make a commitment to visit at the same facility one day a week for an extended time. To volunteer or for more information, call (760) 836-1406.
Where did the organization’s name come from? When a dog sits on you, his paw is on your heart. The wonderful canines with Paws & Hearts make their rounds, happily healing hearts and dispensing love.
This wonderful nonprofit organization is now starting its 14th year of service to the Coachella Valley, and relies on donations. Check theirwebsite www.pawsandhearts.org. You can make a tax deductible donation online or send a check to Paws & Hearts, 74-854 Velie Way, Suite 7, Palm Desert, 92260.
SAVE THE DATE, PAWS & HEARTS ANNUAL DOG WALK FUNDRAISER IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30.
Registration is at 9am, the walk at The Mission Hills Resort begins at 10am, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage. Minimum suggested donation is $25. This is your chance to have a fun day with your dog. Each walker receives a t-shirt, continental breakfast, a bandana and treats for your dog. Santa will be on hand for your special holiday photo. This will be a tail-waggin’ good time.
