Therapy dog

[bszksmith]

Zombie (and his Akita-Dutchie look a like brother Shaka) have been asked to participate in a pilot program at the VA Hospital in Madison. The VA has been very reluctant to use therapy dogs in their hospitals despite dogs being used at all other Madison hospitals. They finally agreed to a 3 month trial program. Zombie and Shaka will visit their Psychiatric ward. Lots of PTSD and suicide type issues. The boys are one of 4 teams to give it a try. A number of people have thought dogs like Zombie would be great there because he is like the dogs that they would have been around in Afghanistan et al. Wish us luck.

[Dutchringgirl]

Good luck !!!!!!

[Christie M]

I think its awesome. There is a Veterans Program down here that specifically places dogs with soldiers in need. I can't think of a more worthy cause.

[leih merigian]

Can't wait to hear how it goes...

[Sugars Mom]

Ditto!

[alspyce]

What a great thing to do! Hope they keep the program.
Did anyone else hear about theTD program that barred raw fed dogs from participation?

[Dutchringgirl]

What a great thing to do! Hope they keep the program.
Did anyone else hear about theTD program that barred raw fed dogs from participation?

Why would they do that? What does Raw feeding have to do with what a dog can do?

[alspyce]

Try the link. I just don't believe it.
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/he ... -pets.aspx

[Dutchringgirl]

Try the link. I just don't believe it.
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/he ... -pets.aspx

Just dosnt make sense,

[Marjolein]

Try the link. I just don't believe it.
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/he ... -pets.aspx

pfffff... What's that about

[Christie M]

I believe it was Delta that banned raw fed dogs. The concept is that they will pass Salmonella through stool and it may end up on their coats. My opinion, if it hasn't been proven, then it doesn't exist. But that is my understanding. TDI (who we use) does not make any requirements regarding feeding protocols.

[Marjolein]

I believe it was Delta that banned raw fed dogs. The concept is that they will pass Salmonella through stool and it may end up on their coats. My opinion, if it hasn't been proven, then it doesn't exist. But that is my understanding. TDI (who we use) does not make any requirements regarding feeding protocols.

In that case, I should have had salmonella twice a month Nonsens... Dogs cannot have salmonella because the acid in their stomics is too strong, so how could the bacteria ever come out alive in their stool??

[bszksmith]

Yes, Delta no longer allows raw fed dogs to work as a Delta register pet partner. Happened about a year ago. Certainly lots of thoughts as to why that happened but at the end of the day all that matters is they said no to raw fed. I have not read the research papers in the area but it is possible for intact microorganisms to travel from the stomach to the intestinal tract. Think Activa yogurt. It is possible with probiotics but pathogens and their survival through the stomach and intestinal tract is another matter. Then there is the whole issue of what dogs and people get on the bottoms of their feet/shoes and bring with them into a facility. Complicated issue and unfortunately the decision results in the exclusion of some very fine dogs.

[Marjolein]

So nurses are not allowed to eat grilled chicken that could have a tiny bit of rawness in them? Pfff, seems a bit...strange to decide raw fed is dangerous... Next policedogs will be forced to eat raw so they can transfer bacteria to the bad guys

[GSDNanny]

Karen, please do keep us posted and even send me PMs on the progress of this program if you will. I too am very interested especially since our local VA Hospital is constructing a brand new psych facility designed for veterans with PTSD. I would like to get particulars from someone that has first hand experience. A Battle Buddies program (part of the Wounded Warrior program) was started at the local Army base but the director was transferred to DC along with several others who moved so it just fizzled out. It is the program where they place shelter dogs with veterans. They had me lined up to do some basic ob on the dogs to be placed but, oh well.....anything that will aid a veteran in my book is worthwhile.

[Christie M]

I remember reading a few studies where they looked at the bacteria content in feces from raw vs. kibble fed dogs over time. The raw fed dogs did pass a considerably higher amount of pathogenic bacteria - hence the concern of raw feeding in homes with young children and/or immunosuppressed individuals.

I feed raw and I'm not saying it was a good decision. But the opposition does have some valid data to back their arguments.

[Lavish]

The therapy dog program in my area also will not tolerate participation with anyone who feeds raw

Best of luck with your fur kids helping to make a difference to those who need a little extra help.

[bszksmith]

Denise - I will be glad to keep up updated. My first turn is in July. I know a lot of people had to work very hard to get us a trial period for it. The process stalled for quite a while. It is a strange bit of coincidence that a gal on my softball team lost her brother because of PTSD after he came back from Afghanistan. I have no doubt the dogs will help. Now we just need to prove it to keep the program going.

[Sugars Mom]

Good luck