Skip — Skipper — whatever you want to call him, this three year old Golden Retriever is truly an exceptional dog.
His owners Carol and Carl Ruby recently received a plaque in Lansing at an award luncheon honoring Skip as the Therapy Companion Dog of the Year.
Skip spends an afternoon every other week visiting patients in Rochester’s Crittenton Hospital’s psychiatric, oncology, hospice, pediatrics and rehabilitation units.
According to Carol, white-coated, often-serious doctors now carry dog treats in their pockets, Patients request delayed treatments long enough to greet him. Nursing stations stock doggie treats.
In 2003, Skip became a breed champion, earned two obedience titles and sired many puppies for Leader Dog for the Blind.
Dr. David Smith of Leader Dogs for the Blind nominated Skip for the award.
Every veterinarian in Michigan can nominate one dog for the award. Names of nominees are sent on to the Michigan Veterinarians Association, headquartered in Lansing. A committee then screens the candidates, chooses the finalists and picks the winner and the runner up.
Carol, a Lake Orion resident, is very active as chairperson of Therapy Dogs International. She started Crittenton’s program seven and a half years ago. Her dog Chase, Skip’s older brother, was the first dog to participate at the hospital.
Currently, there are about a dozen volunteers with dogs who visit the hospital.
All the therapy dogs are registered and must take numerous temperament tests to see how well they respond to people with all types of illnesses.
‘He has succeeded in reaching many patients that modern medicine couldn’t,? Carol said. ‘Unresponsive mentally, as well as physically challenged, they have greatly benefited by his loving persistence.?
Before Carol and Skip enter a hospital room, Carol makes sure they’re welcome by the patients and it’s an appropriate time.
‘I chit-chat and talk about their pets if they have any. Therapy dogs provide emotional support; they don’t do any physical work. They’ll get up on the beds, if there’s a request for it, and snuggle with them.
Twenty five to 50 rooms are visited in an afternoon.
Carol said Skip has done some remarkable things.
‘Nurses have left a patient’s room in tears, after witnessing the gentle snuggling from the big Golden as a comatose patient stirs.
‘Wishing to stroke his head has coached uncooperative (patient) fingers to try and move again. Skipper had been the catalyst in several profound changes.
‘He’s made miraculous differences in so many lives. He’s comforted the sick and dying and shared the despair of the mourning,? she added.
‘Dogs get through to people when doctors and therapist can’t. Animals give us so much spirit, so much beauty; they’re such good companions.?
And why did she get involved in the dog therapy program? Carol, a resident of Lake Orion, for 13 years, has always done volunteer work.
‘I help at church and am active in the community. When the children grew up, I had to do something. I always had dogs. Goldens make wonderful companions,? she said.
Carol also participates with Chase and Skip in Canadian competitive dog shows.
‘It’s good exercise. Even in winter you have to practice,? she said.
For more information, visit Therapy Dogs International at www.tdi.dog.org or the Fort Detroit Golden Retriever Club website at www.FDGRC.org for puppy referral and general information