OSF Medical Center wants you … and your dog
(March 10, 2009) – OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is going to the dogs! Not really, but it is looking for a few good dogs – and their owners.
OSF Saint Francis is piloting a first-of-its-kind Animal Assisted Therapy program in Peoria and is currently seeking dogs and owners interested in volunteering.
Animal Assisted Therapy dogs and their owners will visit the hospital and bring comfort to patients, reducing stress, anxiety and blood pressure, and increasing patient social interaction and communication.
Dogs and handlers must meet specific requirements. Dogs must be at least one year old, be able to demonstrate proficiency in basic obedience, and be up-to-date on inoculations. Dogs must have lived with their handlers for a minimum of one year.
Dog handlers must be at least 18 years old, and be dependable and prompt, with good communication skills.
Dog and handler teams are currently being recruited and will be selected based on their applications, interviews and temperament testing. Once selected for the program, the team must complete a three-day training program which includes 12 hours of combined classroom and mock lab training. During training, dog handlers will perform supervised site visits with the dogs for certification.
If you and your dog would like to be considered for this program, please go to www.osfsaintfrancis.org and apply online for a volunteer application. Temperament testing for dogs is scheduled for May 3, 2009. Those who pass temperament testing will be accepted into the program and undergo training at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on June 7, 13, and 14.
For more information about the program, contact Shelly Cunningham, Animal Assisted Therapy coordinator at 309-258-7146.
