Cricket and owner regular visitors at Frost Manor
Monday, January 17, 2005 - Natalie Miller
LINDSAY -- A resident's outstretched hand pats the top of the friendly mutt's head.

"Isn't he soft," states the dog's owner, Sandy Wansbrough.

Upon introduction, Cricket lifts his right paw to be shaken. The man and his dog are part of the tapestry at Frost Manor, having visited the Lindsay long-term care home for five years. Residents anticipate the Friday visit, as do Sandy and Cricket.

"It makes me feel good," says Sandy, noting Cricket enjoys the attention and
oodles of dog biscuits.

Cricket is a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Sandy took in after nobody claimed the stray animal. During dog obedience training, Sandy heard about the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog tests. "I figured my dog could do these tests," Sandy says. Ultimately, therapy dogs must not exhibit any signs of aggression under any circumstance, he explains.

Sandy says residents respond well to Cricket, often inviting him into their rooms for a visit. "Some people who used to own a dog and don't have a dog now, they really miss it."

Resident Verna Wilson had a dog named Teddy earlier in life.

"I was brought up on a farm and we always had a dog," she says.

Verna says she enjoys seeing Cricket. "Sure I love him. He's so well-trained."

A few years ago, Sandy and Cricket visited Frost Manor and discovered one of the residents who particularly anticipated their visit was in hospital. Sandy knew the sight of Cricket would brighten her day so he headed over to the hospital. He hasn't stopped visiting there since. "He created such an impression," says Sandy about Cricket.

As for the residents of Frost, "most of them really like him," says Sandy."They expect to see him."

According to its website, St. John Ambulance believes "anyone anywhere can
benefit physically and emotionally from regular contact with the unconditional love of a dog." The organization says visits from therapy dogs are particularly beneficial for people who spend time away from their families while in hospital, at seniors' residences or in nursing homes.

The program began in Peterborough and has since expanded nationwide.

For more information about the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, visit the website.