Irish Therapy Dogs bring a different type of therapy to nursing homes, day-care centres and long-stay hospitals, writes SYLVIA THOMPSON
‘HE LOVES me. Mala loves me,” says Louise Convery, referring to the beautiful big Labrador dog she is stroking. Carol Cullen is not so sure.
She stands at the back of the large sitting room while Mala and his owner, Finola Kenny, mix with people attending the day centre at the St John of God Menni Services for adults with disabilities.
A few months ago, Carol would have screamed if a dog came near her. Now, she’s happy to keep a safe distance and observe the friendship bonds develop between Mala and the other people attending the day centre.
She even manages to throw him a biscuit, safe in the knowledge that Finola has a tight grip on Mala’s short lead.
Wheelchair user David Garland is completely at ease with Mala, having grown up with animals.
“I’m interested in all animals – particularly horses but I don’t like cats,” he says. He waits his turn as Mala comes around to give him some attention. “He’s very friendly with everyone,” he says.
Keith Whelan is similarly at his ease. He has a terrier at home and is excited by the visit of Irish Therapy Dogs and The Irish Times.
Finola Kenny and her dog, Mala, are part of Irish Therapy Dogs, an Irish charity which has more than 200 volunteers visiting nursing homes, day centres and long-stay hospitals throughout the State.
Finola and Mala have been visiting the St John of God Menni services on Parnell Road, Dublin, once a week for the past year. She knows everyone by name and many of them tell her their news as they pet Mala.
“The therapy a dog can bring to people is amazing,” she says, referring specifically to how he can help people overcome their fears.
“It’s important that the dog isn’t afraid of anything like wheelchairs or walkers,” she says.
Dog owners and their dogs must pass an assessment of suitability before they can join an Irish Therapy Dogs visiting programme. All owners are also Garda-vetted.
Ann Parkes is one of Mala’s favourites. He keeps coming back over to her for some attention.
“I love Mala the most. He’s a great dog. He sits when I tell him to and gives me the paw. He even drinks tea,” says Ann. Everyone laughs as Mala laps up a bowl of milky tea.
“The only treats he gets are the ones he gets here,” says Finola.
Eddie Joyce is one of the adults who had a great fear of dogs. Yet, with encouragement, he sits next to Finola on a couch and pets Mala a little bit.
Pawel Stepala is the co-ordinator of the day centre. “For most people who come here, it’s their only chance to have contact with a dog.
“Some of them were really afraid of dogs before and thanks to Finola, they have overcome their fears.
“Seeing Mala once a week teaches them how to interact with and treat animals,” he says.
Kenny adds, “Mala is a people’s dog. He loves coming here. His tail starts wagging as soon as I drive in the gate and as you can see, it hasn’t stopped wagging all the time he’s here.”
Irish Therapy Dogs is based in St Mary’s Centre, 185-201 Merrion Road, Dublin 4. See irishtherapydogs.ie
