Jansen Hospice Expands Pet Therapy Program

Last spring Jansen Hospice welcomed a new, furry friend into their hospice volunteer group – a one and a half year old golden retriever named Andy! Andy is one of Jansen’s five pet therapy dogs who visit nursing homes, and individual homes, to lift the moods of terminally ill patients.

Andy was trained as a show dog, and later adopted by his owner, Michael Brunsden of Eastchester, after he proved to be too timid for the spotlight. When Michael retired from his nursing career and wanted to get involved with Jansen Hospice, he knew Andy would be the perfect volunteer companion and pet therapy dog.

Before visiting any patients, Andy required a formal certification that is required for all pet therapy dogs. To become certified, the golden retriever completed a four-month training course to ensure he wouldn’t be startled by loud, clunky medical equipment, or hyperactive around patients. He also passed a final exam in Albany that tested fundamentals learned in training. Similarly, Michael took the mandatory five week training course required of Jansen Hospice volunteers to prepare himself to face the challenges of hospice care, and help patients during such an important time in life.

Andy and Michael are a team and visited many people over the summer. Michael immediately recognized the powerful bond quickly established between Andy and his patients – the dog can transform patients’ bad days into good days, offers warmth, and provides comforting, non-judgemental love. As Michael points out, “People open up to dogs. They relate to them because they can touch and hold something that’s alive and soft.” The ability to touch an animal and look into their eyes helps people make a connection; it brings out nurturing instincts and can pinpoint someone’s sense of humor. Whatever the reaction, there is no doubt that the Jansen pet therapy dogs brighten the days of many terminally ill patients, and their families. The Jansen Hospice team is happy to have Andy on board, and wish him luck as he and Michael continue visiting hospice patients down the road.

Andy and the Jansen Hospice pet therapy dogs are examples of different and unique ways volunteers dedicate themselves to the organization. Jansen Hospice is always exploring new ways for volunteers to help out. In fact, Jansen is currently looking for knitters and crocheters to make blankets that will be passed out in nursing homes this December, adding color and warmth to patients during the holiday season, and beyond. If you are interested in making blankets, please contact Laura Hanlon at 914-787-6158.