The Princeton Animal League is teaming up with “‘Paws’ibilities Unleashed,” the pet therapy organization of Kentucky, based in Frankfort, to bring that program to the local community.
Laurie Moquin, who lives in Cadiz, is the Western Kentucky Chapter leader of ‘Paws’ibilities Unleashed, and just happened to read about the Princeton Animal League in an article featured in the Times Leader.
“The Princeton Animal League sparked my interest with their encouragement to spay and neuter pets, and dog safety programs,” said Moquin.
Moquin, who moved to Cadiz three years ago, has been involved in pet therapy for almost six years.
Why pet therapy? There is an unlimited joy in the unconditional love from a pet. Instant gratification comes as that special, generously loving animal comforts and soothes the senses. Stress melts away, frustrations and disappointments vanish, and problems of the day become a distant memory with that first touch, lick, or rub from our faithful, furry friends.
Scientific research now supports our innate sense of the comforting effects animals have on us. There is empirical proof that the presence and touch of animals instantly and naturally calms the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
From children to geriatric patients, the response to “pet therapy” is overwhelmingly positive.
Solomon, Moquin’s 155 pound Newfoundland, is a retired show dog and is now certified to perform pet therapy.
Together, Laurie and Solomon have logged over 200 hours of working with children suffering from autism, Down’s syndrome and an array of other mental and behavioral disorders.
While living in Louisville, Kosair Children’s Hospital was a frequent stop for the pair who visited with children that had life threatening conditions.
Moquin has even taken Solomon into the school setting to participate in “read programs,” where they have seen miraculous (documented) progress in the children’s abilities and test scores.
In those particular programs, reading skills of the children showed an accelerated development as they would read to Solomon on a biweekly basis.
“It relieves the pressure and stress that the kids are experiencing. Pets have a very calming effect, allowing the children to do things that a parent or teacher couldn’t dream of,” said Moquin.
While she owns and works a certified dog in therapy programs, Moquin is also able to certify other dogs for the pet therapy program.
That association made it very convenient for PAL board members Anne Banister and Jannette Parent to have their own dogs become official pet therapy dogs.
There are prerequisites that must be met in order for the dogs to be pet therapy material. They cannot, according to Moquin, be barkers or biters, and must be desensitized to noise. Before their entry into schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, the dogs are cleaned and vetted (spayed or neutered).
“All dogs are specially trained, certified and insured,” explained Moquin.
Locally, the owners and certified dogs have formed a team which goes out as a group for therapeutic visits. Recently, the group went to Bright Life Farms, to visit with residents and to introduce them to the loving animals.
Moquin led an interactive group discussion about pet safety for a room full of Bright Life residents, which was followed by the dogs’ tricks, each brilliantly performed.
Residents then had the opportunity to pet and play with the dogs and to experience that rewarding unconditional love.
Smiles were glowing throughout the room as Solomon, Mr. Magoo, Mona Lisa, Skye and Pearl spent the afternoon making the day even brighter at Bright Life Farms.
“It is so much fun,” said Moquin. “That’s what makes it so neat and so rewarding.”
The members of the group operate on a volunteer basis, making this wonderful form of therapy cost-free.
“This group is by no means political. There is no power struggle. It is about two organizations coming together for the same cause; we are all about education, and it’s all really fun,” explained Moquin.
To help support spay and neuter programs and activities like pet therapy, the Princeton Animal League is taking this holiday season to host a fund-raising event “Pet Photos with Santa and Pet Food Drive” at Cozy Living on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This photo shoot is designed for those who want Santa to pose with them and their pets for a memorable Christmas keepsake.
Participants who bring a donation of pet food for the Pet Food Drive will also receive prizes. All proceeds go to Princeton Animal League.
Persons who want more information about the Princeton Animal League and pet therapy, can log on to http://pal.xm.com and www.pawsibilitiesunleashed.org.
