Newsletter June 30, 2014

Dogs visiting nursing home residents in Thuin: follow up of the FCI initiative

In the February issue of dogdotcom, we told you about an initiative launched by the FCI in Thuin: dogs visiting the local nursing home residents.

The Belgian non-profit organisation Un Chien pour un Sourire (in English, A Dog for a Smile) has already paid two visits to the residents and we are happy to inform you that it has been a huge success!

The first visit was organised on May 5^th, a particularly warm and sunny day, on the outside terrace. A high number of residents joined to welcome the five visiting dogs: Gaiette, Câline, Yoyo, Kyo and Jade really made their day by receiving their cuddles, hugs and caresses or simply by sleeping or resting close to them.

Some of the residents were deeply moved, some even to tears: many of them have enjoyed the presence of a dog for all their life, then having to leave their company on their arrival in the nursing home.

On the second visit, organised on May 21^st, the weather did not allow us to enjoy the nice terrace, so we met in the cyber room. Some newcomers joined the same participants of the first visit… and even some staff members dropped in, having heard of the dogs’ renewed entertaining and beneficial performance!

This time, a local TV channel (Télésambre) was present to shoot a report about this groundbreaking activity in the area. http://www.telesambre.be/pense-betes-pense-betes-un-chien-au-gai-sejour-cela-vaut-le-detour_d_10172.html

The nursing home staff and director will soon hold a follow-up meeting to assess the effects of the experience upon the residents and to decide about going further with the recruitment of volunteers and dogs, both to be trained by the non-profit organisation Un Chien pour un Sourire’s members.

The FCI Secretariat is very excited about the project and is very happy to have suggested such an inspiring initiative in the city hosting their headquarters!

Accounts

Mrs Cécile Bonnet, in charge of organising activities for residents
“I have witnessed that the residents were truly looking forward to meeting the association’s dogs. After as little as two sessions, one can undoubtedly maintain that the results live up to their expectations. We were surprised to note that some residents who do not usually leave their rooms or storeys had made the trip to the patio to stroke the pets. It was fun to watch the animals and the residents get closer. We hope the dogs will eventually have an access to the residents’ rooms.”

Mrs Julie Gillot, Psychologist
“For my part, I have noted that the dog definitely is a remarkable go-between in the communication process. It suddenly got easier for the residents to share their memories, not only with the staff members who were there, but also with their fellow residents. This activity has made them work their memory and lead them to make contact with others; moreover, the emotional response has transported them into a natural state of relaxation. We have also observed a behavioural change in the confused: far from their usual restlessness, they were thoroughly relaxed and smiled at the contact with the animal. This was beyond words, the smiles tell it all.”

Mrs Elise Leroy, 91, resident:
“The activity with the dogs was great. I do not take much part in the other happenings, but I did love this one! And so did everyone else! The dogs were beautiful, and house- and obedience-trained. I even had a photo taken with one of them - I think it was a Malinois. I stroked the dogs; it allowed me to get away and enjoy a moment of tenderness. Before entering this nursing home, I once had a pet, which I would spoil quite a lot. My daughter has a dog, too, which she spoils, too! She cares for him as if he were her son.”

Mrs Geneviève Vinck, Manager
“I was stunned when I saw one of our female residents, who did not quite like the idea of dogs entering the nursing home, take part in this canine visit. Before the visiting dogs came, she would completely shut down when a dog approached her. She deliberately requested to be part of the activity. From the very beginning, she was overjoyed and quickly opened up to the others. After the session, she thanked the whole staff and didn’t fail to tell her family on the phone.”

Mr Luc Caron, Manager
“The first two sessions have gathered about 50 residents together. There is thus no denying that the visiting dogs arouse both curiosity and enthusiasm.
As a manager, I was a little concerned about the hygiene standards we are required to maintain in our nursing home, and about the dogs’ behaviour and the ability of their owners to master them.
The incentive works wonders thanks to the leadership of the non-profit Un Chien pour un Sourire (A Dog for a Smile). The dogs are house- and obedience-trained, and remain under the control of their owners.
A true relationship has developed between our residents and the pets, which results in openness to others, peace, and tangible satisfaction.
It was nice to see that residents who have difficulty communicating were happy to take part in the dogs’ visit, and enjoyed petting them and having them sit on their laps.
We undoubtedly should maintain this approach, and even find a way to promote it, for this is a true asset for our residents.”

Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager