Therapy Animal NPO wants to break clichés and taboos (article by Soma Neuts)
‘Cute Labradors and golden retrievers are not the only dogs that can help people. We work with all kinds of dogs, including Rottweilers and pit bulls,’ says Inge Pauwels, dog behavior therapist and chairwoman of Therapiedier vzw in Langdorp. 255 organizations from the care and welfare sector are opening their doors on the Day of Care. Therapiedier vzw puts the relationship between humans and animals central during the seventh edition of the Day of Care.
Therapy animals respond to the needs and wants of people. The love of these animals is unconditional. ‘One of our dogs supports a man with a physical and mental disability. This man never speaks, but when the therapy dog appears, he spontaneously starts to laugh. What a magical moment to see what a therapy animal can unlock in people,’ Pauwels proudly recounts.
Happy animals
Johnny Vanderlinden is getting acquainted with Therapiedier vzw for the first time. ‘I am very interested in dog behavior. What I find so wonderful about dogs is that they can sense our emotions so well,’ says Vanderlinden. ‘Dogs make you happy. I consider my own dog, Oxie, to be part of the family.’ Vanderlinden has a big heart for animals. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture at Therapiedier vzw. What will definitely stick with me is that dogs take on various tasks to support people.’
‘Therapy animals must be happy animals,’ Pauwels says. ‘As an organization, we work in an ethical manner where we take the well-being of both humans and animals into account.’ Every therapy animal is tested for socially acceptable behavior. ‘If the dog passes this test but is unhappy, this dog will not be used as a therapy animal. The well-being of our animals comes first.’
Intensive process
Jacqueline Serrien has been working as a dog trainer for ten years. ‘As a canine behavior therapist, I guide dogs with behavioral problems,’ Serrien says. ‘I am confronted with all kinds of issues, such as dogs with phobias and aggression. Many people do not know how to help their dog. Often I guide more people than dogs. People demand that dogs adapt to their lifestyle. It is very unusual for dogs to live in a house or go along to a restaurant. I offer my clients tools to train their dog. Training dogs is a very intensive process. That does not happen overnight. Being consistent is essential. Anyone who brings a dog into their home should actually take a course first to learn how to handle dogs.’
‘Mario needs physical exercise to strengthen his motor skills,’ says Jos Van den Hende, a support worker for people with intellectual disabilities. ‘The contact between Mario and the dog strengthens his motor skills and concentration. I visit Mario weekly for physical exercise. He brushes the dog and plays games with him. It is important to work tailored to each individual. It is not so simple to convince facilities of animal therapy. I do notice that organizations are gradually becoming more open to it.’
The older dog