Animal Assisted Activities for children with (CP) Cerebral Palsy on World CP day
Oct 2010 – Children with Cerebral Palsy enjoyed the furry company of our therapy dogs Aekon and Shirley on the occasion of World Cerebral Palsy day which falls on the 2nd of Oct. The event was sponsored by Allergen pharmacetcals and the AAA program was conducted by our volunteer, Dr. Shweta Sohini. Dr. Sohoni, a physiotherapist says that AAT/AAA is a very when incorporated with physiotherapy can help achieve tremendous improvement in children with CP. The presence of the therapy dog motivates the patient to forget he is going through therapy and enjoy the session. It also makes them forget their pain and stretch their potential to respond to physiotherapy exercises. Dr. Sohini says this therapy and its benefits for patients undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation are still unexplored and that it needs to be explored more.
The Therapy dogs for the event were Aekon (chocolate Lab, male) and Shirley (fawn Lab, female). The children present at the event did many activities with the therapy dog like playing ball, taking him for a walk, feeding and petting him. All these activities my sound simple but being able to do them is a big achievement for a child with CP. Aekon and Shirley surely gave these children a reason to smile.
Cancer Patients Aid Association, Women’s Day Special Program
March 2008 – Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), Pune celebrated Women’s day by organizing Animal Assisted Activities for women Cancer patients across Pune. Animal Angels conducted a visiting program in association with CPAA on International Women’s Day for women Cancer Patients from different hospitals across Pune, like Ruby Hall Clinic, Sasoon Hospital, Command Hospital etc. Therapy Dog Kiara was the star of the program who won over the hearts of the patients and gave them a reason to smile. All these patients had a wonderful time as Kiara helped them de-stress
Patients suffering from cancer often experience a high degree of stress and depression. Hospitals often use dogs and cats to help patients after surgery or during chemotherapy. Patients may not always have family members or friends nearby to provide hourly companionship and support and may feel more comfortable talking with support animals about their fears when dealing with cancer. Dogs and cats, especially ones that are trained in the service field, are unconditionally supportive and loving to patients.
Christmas party of Thalesemia and Cancer Patients, Ruby Hall Cancer Center Pune
December 2007 – Animal Angels conducted a session for the pediatric patients suffering from thalesemia, heart disease and Cancer at Ruby Hall Cancer Center, where they had organized a Christmas party for the children. Therapy dog Kiara, a lovely Golden Retriever, was dressed up specially for the occasion as a Santa. Children were thrilled to see her and enjoyed a lot. These children who would otherwise stay gloomy due to the painful treatment had immense joy in their faces after interacting with Kiara.
Visit to Kudje farm with HIV positive children of Manavya Foundation
Dec 2007 – On the occasion of World Aids Day, Animal Angels Foundation wanted to spread the message of unconditional love – something that animals and nature teach us. An outdoor event was organized at a farm of one of the volunteer of Animal Angels, where HIV positive kids from Manavya were taken out for a picnic. These kids are once who have acquired HIV from their parents and who are orphaned or abandoned. Manavya is a residential center which takes care of these kids, their education and medical expense.
Our aim was to let the kids enjoy nature and animals as they are the ones who truly accept a person unconditionally. The main attraction for the event was Therapy dog Tyson ( a male Boxer), belonging to our volunteer, Dr. Shushma Date. Dr. Sushma Date is a pediatrician and believes that the companionship of a therapy dog can help these kids to vent out their emotions and also a channel to express their belongingness to someone.