The M.A.G.I.C. of Therapy Dogs
By Kelsey Romaniak
“I pet a dog for the first time tonight!”
This quote from a M.A.G.I.C. (Monthly Activity Group in the Community) participant joyfully replays in my head. At our November M.A.G.I.C. event: Giving Back to help Angell Animal Adoption Center, our Friend 2 Friend matches made toys and blankets for the animals awaiting their forever homes. Over the course of two Wednesday nights, our matches constructed 75 cat toys and 18 blankets to donate! Truly amazing! In conjunction with the craft projects, our matches had the opportunity to meet a certified and trained therapy dog.
This initial event idea was met with skepticism and hesitation- ‘what about allergies’ or fears of dogs or something else? Extensive time and energy was spent weighing the pros and cons of this endeavor. I kept thinking back to a clinical study that found that petting animals releases hormones that elevate our mood and emotional well-being and support social engagement. I was determined to make this dream a reality!
According to the American Kennel Club, “A therapy dog is a dog who volunteers with their pet parent to provide comfort and support to people.” After a long search for the right fit, two calm, gentle, and loving therapy dogs were selected. Their handlers were debriefed on the needs of our program and 1one dog would come each night. M.A.G.I.C. matches were invited to meet, pet, and love on these dogs in a separate room from the crafting. Matches were also encouraged to remain crafting, should meeting the dogs not feel right to them. Some were so excited they could barely focus, while others were uninterested, and some– nervous. Those nervous about the opportunity were supported by Friend 2 Friend (F2F) staff around what to expect, encouraged to ask questions, and then escorted to meet the dog, if they chose to do so.
One specific match was very unsure about meeting the dog. They had always been taught that dogs were strictly for guarding homes, sharing “dogs have unpredictable and dangerous behavior.”. After a discussion between the two of them and with reassurance from F2F staff and fellow matches, they decided to just look at the dog. After witnessing the dog’s calm demeanor, they took the next step. They asked the handler questions about the dog- her name, interests, and training while the handler was reading their verbal and nonverbal cues. With some big breaths and a timid smile, the participant took a few slow, cautious steps toward the dog. He looked back at his Friend for comfort and approval, to which he received a gentle nod and smile. That confidence allowed him to open his hand to greet the dog- and the dog gently licked it. The immense smile that filled his face from those dog kisses, was beyond heartwarming to witness. He and the dog then made eye contact and were emotionally connected. He could tell he was safe, and the dog was not going to hurt him, contrary to what he had been conditioned to believe. He swiftly began petting the dog and smiling ear to ear- his anxiety quickly fading away. He even asked to take a photo with the dog so he could show his family. This experience, which for many matches was a blip in their day, was transformative for this participant. This positive interaction with a therapy dog allowed this young man to overcome a fear- a true, life-changing experience!
The feedback from M.A.G.I.C. matches about the therapy dog has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are even asking for future visits with the dogs! I am infinitely grateful for the dog and handler pairs who graciously visited our M.A.G.I.C. events and gave our matches such memorable experiences.
Kelsey has been a Clinical Match Specialist with the Friend 2 Friend (F2F) program for nearly 3 years. She has a B.A. from Marist College and an M.S.W. from Simmons University. The highlights of working with F2F are planning M.A.G.I.C. events and meeting new people! She lives on the south shore with her husband, young daughter and French bulldog. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, being in nature, and spending time with her family.