Celebrating National Therapy Animal Day

The moment Quincy puts on his tie, he goes into business mode. His behavior changes and his mental stability stops. He is ready to serve, and nothing can take him away from his goal of obeying the needs of his customers. No, Quincy is not an employee at a Michelin-starred restaurant, nor is he channeling Groucho Marx. He’s a certified therapy dog ​​who wears a bow tie for hospice patients at Avow, a Naples nonprofit that provides palliative care and bereavement support.

In honor of National Therapy Animal Day on April 30, it is an honor and joy to share the profound impact that pet therapy animals have within a caring environment. As Director of Volunteer Services at Avow, I have witnessed first-hand the comfort and peace that these wonderful animals bring to our patients and their families through Avow’s PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Spirits) program. Among our cherished volunteers are Colleen Harrington and her Boston Terrier friend, Quincy, whose journey together in pet therapy has touched the lives of many people.

Colleen, a certified tester/controller with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a nationally recognized certification organization, has been instrumental in the development of our pet therapy program. Her commitment to ensuring both volunteers and their pets meet the highest standards of therapeutic work has been invaluable. With her background as a registered nurse, Colleen understands the profound impact animals can have on healing and well-being. “When I retired, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” Colleen said, recalling her inspiration from therapy dogs at the hospital where she worked in Michigan.

Quincy’s story is one of resilience and purpose. Rescued from a shelter in Kentucky, he became a therapy dog ​​for more than seven years, displaying the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Colleen’s rigorous process for certifying therapy animals ensures they are well-suited to the sensitive environment of hospice care. This includes validations, background checks, and a series of observations in different environments to assess the animals’ temperament and behavior.

The impact of pet therapy extends beyond patients to staff and families, providing a temporary escape from the challenges of hospice care. Colin remembers the increased importance of pet therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasizes how Quincy and other therapy animals provide peace, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to everyone they encounter who is living in stressful circumstances. “It brings a feeling of joy and comfort to people. It helps families in the nursing home. They are tired and exhausted from sitting for long hours, and they are facing a major crisis in their lives,” Colin noted.

Quincy’s intuitive nature, demonstrated by his willingness to act the moment he puts on a tie, demonstrates the unique qualities of therapy animals. They have an innate ability to provide emotional support, enabling patients to share their stories and experiences. One poignant story concerns a nursing home patient who, when she saw Quincy, opened her eyes wide with joy, and remembered her dog. Such moments highlight the therapeutic value of these interactions, connecting human experiences through unconditional love for animals.

Colleen’s work, along with Quincy, emphasizes that these animals not only provide essential emotional support, but also embody the spirit of volunteerism and community. The therapy animal certification process, Colleen explains, ensures that each pet and their handler are well-prepared for the delicate nature of hospice care, promoting an environment of comfort and understanding. Currently, Collin says it is the only accredited laboratory/monitor in Collier County, while Lee County has another. The next closest in the area is Miami, and the three people are staying very busy with this growing need for animal therapy services. In 2023, Avow’s PAWS program logged 146 hours of animal companionship with patients and is expected to do several more in 2024 with the addition of several new four-legged volunteers.

As we celebrate National Therapy Animal Day, let us appreciate the invaluable contribution of therapy animals and their human companions who volunteer in hospice care. Their service goes beyond just showing up. They bring a sense of solace, joy and unconditional love that enriches the lives of all they touch. Through their dedication and compassion, Colleen Harrington and Quincy represent the best that pet therapy can offer to those in their most vulnerable moments. Their stories are a testament to the healing power of paws and the enduring bond between human and animal.

If you have a pet that you think has the calm demeanor needed to become a PAWS volunteer at Avow, give them a call info@avowcares.org Or call 239-261-4404. ¦