Winnipeg Free Press, Community Review September 9, 2000 By Liz Katynski
MANY seniors love dogs, but they may no longer be able to have one of their own. That's why a visit from some loveable dogs can really brighten their day. On Sept. 7, members of the Can-Do Agility Team (CAT) put on a flyball demonstration and visited with residents of Deer Lodge Centre. Jean Haines, the CAT team trainer, explains that flyball is a relay between two teams of four dogs. The dogs run a course with four hurdles and a box with a trigger mechanism that dispenses a tennis ball. The fastest team wins. "We bring our best dogs for each situation," says Haines. "In this case, we brought our best mingling dogs. Some can do tricks like rolling over, playing dead, bowing, waving, giving a high-five or going through hoops. But mostly, they enjoy being touched and petted. People really enjoy touching the dogs." Haines has always loved dogs and has trained them for well over 20 years. When she accompanies dogs on a visit with seniors, like the residents of Deer Lodge Centre, she recognizes that many of these people once had loving relationships with their own dogs. "When the dogs respond to their attention, it makes them feel good. The look of absolute joy on their faces brings tears to my eyes." Tiki, a Sheltie, was among the performers. Thanks to owner Jan Staples, Tiki, 7, has been visiting seniors in Winnipeg for the past year. She went on her first seniors visit at 12 weeks. Staples says there is a great need for this type of interaction. "I have seen the difference it makes," she says. "Faces light up. It brings back good memories. When they pet the dog, they are somewhere else. And even those who no longer communicate well can communicate with a dog.
It's soothing for them." Tiki races flyball and makes regular visits on the Deer Lodge veteran's ward. Tiki has also visited residents at Fred Douglas Lodge. Sharon Webber, a recreation worker at Deer Lodge Centre, was excited about the event. "We love animals and watching the races is exciting. Everyone loves a good dog show and it's a great way for our residents to interact." Deer Lodge Center offers evening entertainment programs daily for residents. About 50 to 60 people attend every night. Music and dancers are often featured. There is also a Wednesday bingo program and a Saturday bowling program. "It's invaluable to our residents for them to be able to come down and be a part of something fun," says Webber. "Here, they can socialize with others. They aren't just in their rooms alone, in front of the TV. People make friends, and develop an extended family." Webber enjoys seeing the residents reach out for the dogs and listening to them reminisce and share their stories. "You really see the genuine pleasure on their faces. Some of our residents who aren't so verbal or active will react to the pets. It's a positive thing, a time where everyone gets to play." The center's evening recreation program volunteers brought the residents down for the show. "Our volunteers develop a rapport with residents. They share some time together. And they shared the excitement of the flyball demonstration," says Webber. Visits like this one by CAT make a real difference in the lives of residents, Webber says. "It's more than entertainment. We want people to know it's not an ending here. It's a beginning of a different chapter of life. We aim to keep people as active and interested as possible. "The Can-Do Agility Team began flyball about 14 years ago, when they performed with the Superdogs. North American dogs have been competing in flyball for about 12 years, since the North American Flyball Association was founded. Currently, CAT has a membership of about 40 people and 60 dogs who race in flyball and put on a number of displays throughout the year.