Background
The Therapy Dog program in Peterborough began in 1992 when Jim Newell and Doreen Brock approached St. John Ambulance about setting up a dog visiting program under their auspices. The program spread from Peterborough across the province and ultimately across the country. In 2002, the Peterborough division left St. John Ambulance and became East Central Therapy Dogs... same members, same program, but now independent and self-sufficient with one basic purpose – to provide the unconditional love of a dog, wherever it is needed.
We have approximately 60 volunteer members with about 70 dogs visiting in our community, contributing 5000 volunteer hours each year. We visit all the nursing and retirement homes in Peterborough, Minden and Haliburton, VON day care centres, Community Living centres, local group homes and both locations of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. We also give presentations for service groups and youth groups. Wherever we are needed, we will be there.
All dogs are temperament tested before being accepted into the program. Our standards are strict in order to preserve our excellent reputation. The dogs must be calm and confident in a crowded, institutional setting. During the test, we attempt to simulate situations which are likely to arise in a nursing home or hospital environment. Successful dogs and their handlers attend a training session before accompanying an experienced volunteer for the first four visits to their assigned facility where they are assessed on their ability to provide safe, therapeutic care.
Our program is self-supporting. Our members are all volunteers. Uniforms are supplied to our handlers and everyone is covered by insurance. Our fundraising events include an annual calendar sale in the fall.
We are always looking for new members to visit new facilities or to replace members who are no longer able to visit due to age or illness of themselves or their dogs, or other lifestyle changes. If you and your dog are interested in joining us and would like further information, please call Dianne McMillan at 652-7092 or look in the phone book under Therapy Dogs. We would be delighted to hear from you.
Directors
Jim Newell, Director
(519) 238-5558
Dianne McMillan, Coordinator
diannemcmillan@nexicom.net
(705) 652-7092
Jane Ann Lister, Assistant Coordinator
(705) 657-3356
Joan Brown, Treasurer
joanbrown@nexicom.net
(705) 741-5950
Brion Aubrey, Chief Evaluator
brion@nexicom.net
(705) 944-5926
Sandra Skinner, Uniforms
the.skinners@cogeco.ca
(705) 743-3842