If you are a shut in, whether due to age or medical condition, something that makes you smile can be, as they say, the best medicine.
That is where the Therapy Dog Services of St. John Ambulance can play a role, said Terry and Joan Popoff who along with their standard poodle Millie and Dachshund Ceasar are part of the group locally.
The Popoffs said they knew what a visit from a canine friend could mean because of an experience with Terry himself.
"When he was in the hospital they let us sneak the dogs in," said Joan.
Terry said he was on the third floor and was heading downstairs with his IV when it was suggested they bring the dogs to him.
"It was just like a mob scene over the dogs," he said.
Now that they are involved with the therapy dog program they are well-aware of the smiles their canine companions create.
"I don't know what it is exactly, but it brightens their (residents') day," offered Joan.
"It takes them into a happier place," added Terry, who said it's not unusual for someone to be petting Ceasar and telling stories of memories of their own dogs.
"Some can't talk and the dogs nudge them and they react," continued Joan.
"The tactile experience is really good," added Terry.
Terry said they became involved after seeing a flyer circulated at his wife's office where St. John Ambulance was looking for people interested in becoming involved in the program.
"It's something I've always liked the idea of, something I've been interested in," said Joan. " It's kind of been a passion of mine to get into."
Terry added he recently went through a serious surgery which had him in the hospital for several weeks. "I was aware of how important good care is," he said.
There is a process for those wanting to become involved to go through, said Joan, adding much of it is focused on the dog.
"It's quite an evaluation for the dog," she said.
The evaluation is to ensure the dogs have the proper temperament to interact with people on a regular basis, said Terry.
"It checks how they are around wheelchairs, how they react to commotion," he said. "It's temperament testing really."
"They definitely have to be social dogs," said Joan, adding that was the easy part for Millie and Ceasar. "We raise our dogs that way."
Besides good manners, there are not a lot of rules governing what dogs fit the program. Millie is a mid-sized dog that underwent the evaluation at age eight, while Ceasar is a tiny dog that was only two.
The evaluation took place in Yorkton, and once a dog and its owner are approved, it's a case of getting out and interacting with people, primarily in area nursing homes.
"They want us to volunteer at least 60-hours a year," said Joan, adding "we try to come every two weeks (to Yorkton) to be consistent for the residents."
Terry noted he has also started visiting in Theodore on a regular basis.
The only thing to consider is that most visits to such facilities are in the daytime. Evenings "are not very viable for them," said Joan.
The couple said it is something they find fulfilling, adding there is a need for more therapy dogs in the area.
"We can't even cover this whole facility," said Joan. She said as it is there is a lady doing it in Melville, and to her knowledge only one other person in Yorkton to cover the local region.
Those interested can contact St. John Ambulance in Yorkton for details.
"The rewards are huge, the smiles from the people," said Joan.
