Intermountain Therapy Animals Quarterly

® NEWSFall 2011 Volume xvii • No. 2

Therapy Animals Go to Camp KC the Bichon and her client at the Eagle Mount Camp for kids with cancer in Bozeman, Montana. (see page 3)

Inside:

Letter from a Dog (New from Jon Katz) Page 12 Who are Intermountain Therapy Animals? Board of Directors

e are a human service organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, headquartered in Utah, Susan Daynes (Board President) that brings the gift of animal companionship and interaction to people in need. Our CEO, Coach Mike’s Tennis Shop W mission is to enhance quality of life through the human/animal bond. Our ITA Team Volunteer volunteers (people and their own pets) make regular visits to those who are physically or Alexis Butler developmentally disabled, emotionally or psychologically impaired, lonely or suffering from CEO, The Dog’s Meow depression. All services are free of charge to both client and facility. Peggy Chudd (Board Vice President) ITA therapy animals and their handlers are screened, trained, licensed and ITA Team Volunteer insured to participate in animal-assisted interactions (AAI), which may be Karen Duncan, MSN, RN (Board Secretary) either animal-assisted activities (AAA) or animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Admitting Manager, Univ. of Utah Hospital Successful teams have completed both health and temperament screening Pat Hemingway and volunteer training. ITA Team Volunteer Serving our communities since 1993, we are one of the largest groups of Pam March our kind in the United States, with more than 350 volunteer teams doing CEO, Every Blooming Thing animal-assisted therapy at more than 100 hospitals, counseling centers, Richard D. McKelvie nursing facilities, detention homes, extended care centers, and schools. Asst. U.S. Attorney Chapters of ITA now thrive in Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Kentucky. Heather King ® ® Public Relations, Spectrum Engineers We are also the founders of Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D. ), a literacy support Christine Peterson program to foster in children the love of books and the reading environment. R.E.A.D. has CEO, The Dog Lodge spread throughout the United States and beyond since we launched it in 1999. Danette Poulson If you would like more information about us and our work, please contact Executive Director Project Manager, Boeing, Inc. Kathy Klotz at 801-272-3439. We welcome all who want to lend a helping paw! ♥ Volunteer Member Representatives (non-voting) Norma Disz Vicky Hall Intermountain Therapy Animals Jaimee O’Brien Donna Olsen 4050 South 2700 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 (or) P.O. Box 17201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 Tel 801-272-3439 • Fax 801-272-3470 Toll-free 877-485-1121 • e-mail: [email protected] Advisory Board www.therapyanimals.org Gary Bates, 19th Special Forces, Utah National Guard Jan Bates, Director, Community Affairs, Questar (Retired) Penny S. Brooke, RN, MS, JD, College of Nursing, University of Utah (Retired) LuEllen Brown, Social Worker, Mountain Ridge Counseling Center, Brigham City ITA Staff Intermountain Therapy Animals is proud to be one of the 21 Utah nonprofit organizations supported Rebecca Marriott Champion, Investments Pamela K. Faler, M.A., M.F.T., P.C., Marriage & Executive Director : Kathy Klotz (H) 801-277-8271 by Community Shares/Utah. Program Services & Volunteer Coordinator : Colleen Baum Family Counselor R.E.A.D.® “Martha” Coordinator : Ashley Mott Laura Moseley Helm, Physician Assistant National R.E.A.D. Coordinator : Lesley Pulsipher Mary Renck Jalongo, PhD, Professor Early Admin. Assistance : Melissa Byrd Childhood Education, Indiana University of Office Manager : Cindy Harris Pennsylvania Special Projects : Ali Barnes James J. Lynch, PhD, Author and Researcher Newsletter Editor : Kathy Klotz Stephanie Magid, Vice President, Goldman Sachs No. Utah Coordinator : Judy Curtin Sandi Martin, RN, BSN, NCBF, ITA Volunteer Cache Valley Coordinator : Diana Toth Susan McDonald, DVM, Animal Health & Idaho Coordinator : Connie Sharkey Nutrition Montana Coordinator : Nancy Rosen Kay Miller, Pastoral Care, ITA Volunteer Nevada Coordinator : Polly Sarsfield Sven N. Miller, Service Quality Leader, American Utah Valley Coordinator : Brett Beasley Express Intermountain Therapy Animals’ NEWS is sent to all members and contributors. Please call the ITA office at 801-272-3439 if you would like to be on our mailing list.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 2 FALL 2011 Therapy Animals Go To Camp (and other unexpected places)

amp isn’t just for Scouts anymore. There are ever more kinds of camping experiences for people in all Ckinds of situations and, as we have learned with all our therapy services, whatever the campers’ goals or environments, adding therapy animals to the equation enhances the healthy prognosis even more. Consider Morgan, the young lady on the cover of this issue. Getting a new prosthetic leg would be daunting at any age; going on a hike in the mountains with that new leg may be just too much to contemplate. But when a dog is encouraging you to try, it’s just enough inspiration to give it a go, to have fun, and to gain the confidence after accomplishing the feat. What’s more, the latest research confirms our best in- stincts—that combining both animals and nature experi- ences together is a powerful antidote to depression, confu- sion, anger, ADD, and even too much time spent online. We all need to get outside! (RIGHT:) ITA Montana teams are invited to the Special Olympics each year to enrich the experience for the athletes. (BELOW:) ITA Montana teams go hiking with the kids at the Eagle Mount cancer camp.

(ABOVE and AT LEFT:) Seriously? A therapy rat? Raisin the hairless ITA rat may not be everyone’s idea of a therapeutic visitor, but he was absolutely adored by the kids at the Turn Community Services Summer Camp for kids with disabilities.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 3 FALL 2011 From ITA’s Board Chair

each encounter, one by I have now been volunteering with one, is also unique and of Intermountain Therapy Animals for singular benefit. Our moreDear than a decade, Friends, and I can still therapists tell us over and say with great passion that nothing I over, year after year, that have ever done has made such a the animals inspire dramatic and valuable difference in cooperation, participa- the everyday, real world challenges tion and progress that that people face, as animal-assisted they cannot otherwise get therapies can and do. from their patients. People of all ages and socio-eco- Now in our 19th year, nomic circumstances receive devas- ITA is one of the most tating diagnoses and injuries every successful organizations day. Future paths must veer sharply, of our kind. But we are dreams are dashed, and all these struggling, like other events reverberate through a patient’s charities big and small, to family as well. keep providing these crucial services during Our animals come into these situa- these challenging eco- tions with great wisdom and intu- nomic times. We need ition; they are catalysts, motivators, your help to survive, to sources of fun and inspiration — and Susan and Divia stroll with a young client. continue helping our patient/clients We hope we can count on your they pass no judgments. They make in over 100 healthcare facilities to healing connections. support. We need you now more than heal. Please do all you can to make ever, so that we can continue to serve Animals the world over inspire these room for ITA on your budget and thousands of people in our commu- reactions, so work like ours may seem your heart. Investing in animal- nity every year! almost mundane or insignificant in assisted therapy is a guaranteed the larger scheme of things. But Return on Investment—it succeeds With sincere thanks, nothing could be less true, because every time! Join Intermountain Therapy Animals —With or Without Your Pet SusanITA Board President Daynes You may be able to make Yes! I want to help ITA teams continue to bless the lives of so many who need them. Here is my tax-deductible gift: your donation to ITA go twice as far. Check to see ❑ $25 Friend ❑ $50 Supporter ❑ $100 Partner ❑ $250 Advocate if your employer will match ❑ $500 Patron ❑ $1,000 Benefactor ❑ $5,000 The 4-Paw Circle your contributions. x Name ______Phone ______2 Address ______Intermountain Therapy Animals (#76194) participates City / State / Zip ______in the Combined Federal Campaign, making it possible E-Mail ______for all federal employees to donate to us through their ❑ CHECK ENCLOSED ❑ CHARGE: ❑ AMERICAN EXPRESS ❑ DISCOVER ❑ MC ❑ VISA workplace payroll deduction plans. CARD # ______EXP. DATE ____/____ SECURITY CODE ______SIGNATURE ______Please send to Intermountain Therapy Animals: 4050 SOUTH 2700 EAST, SALT LAKE CIT, UT 84124 (or) PO BOX 17201, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84117 Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Thanks for your support!

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 4 FALL 2011 ITA’s Therapy Work

e at Intermountain Therapy Animals are dedicated to enhancing quality of life through the human-animal bond. We call it “Pets Helping People,” or animal-assisted therapy and, in the W18+ years we have beenAbout serving along the Wasatch Front, we have grown to be one of the largest groups of our kind in the world. Our clients range from the elderly in care centers, to those of all ages facing rehabilitation after brain and spinal cord injuries, and of course to children, whether those suffering from abuse, accidents or disease, or those dealing with learning or developmental disabilities. Consider Just One Healing Phenomenon: Laughter We see it bloom and burst all the time, with our patient/clients of all ages, situations and diagnoses: the spontaneous, pleasurable, healthy, healing nature of smiles, laughter and fun. Norman Cousins first brought it to attention some 30 years ago when he was seeking healing for his own disease and wondered why hospitals don’t regularly issue comedies for their patients. ITA therapy animals produce that happiness wherever they go.

Laughter, so rarely prescribed by any clinician, is surely the most therapeutic thing in the world. And now there are studies to prove it—something the drug companies must not be happy about, since laughter is free, can be administered by anybody, and has no negative side effects. (– Alexander McCall Smith)

Children in an oncology unit who spent an hour with a dog needed less pain medication for a full eight hours afterwards.(– Karen Allen, SUNY, 1998)

Dogs just may be the real wonder drug! (– Researcher Kayla O’Malley, 2008)

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 5 FALL 2011 Happy 12th Anniversary, R.E.A.D.® !

s of this writing, ITA is celebrating the 12th anniversary of R.E.A.D. We’re keeping the partying Alow-key, but the glittering accomplishments of the program are anything but low-key! • We now have more than 3,300 registered R.E.A.D. volunteer teams and 66 licensed R.E.A.D. Instructors • We have R.E.A.D. affiliates in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and elsewhere around the world · The R.E.A.D. manual stands at 218 pages with content that is continually being updated, and an advanced R.E.A.D. skills manual and workshop, “The Next Page,” has been developed and presented in several locations. • We became a national educational outreach partner with the “Martha Speaks” series on PBS. • We are partners with The Kennel Club in Britain, which has started a foundation called “Bark and Read” to support R.E.A.D. · We received the stupendous Better World Books grant of $20,000. · We held two regional conferences – 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. · Due to a dazzling bequest from the estate of Betty Keuffel, the three R.E.A.D. videos are now available to the world for free: the R.E.A.D. Team Training Video, R.E.A.D. at School, and R.E.A.D. at the Library · We communicate regularly with our huge network of teams through an online forum and periodic Weekly R.E.A.D. newsletters • We just received a donation of more than 700 new books, thanks to the U.S. Governors Association (see next page) Even in our early excitement about the potential of R.E.A.D., we must admit to never imagining a truly international program that is helping children everywhere awaken to the joys and rewards of books and reading, as well as opening doors for them for success in the entire rest of their lives. Once again we thank Sandi Martin for her brilliant insight, and all of you out there for keeping it moving ever forward!

R.E.A.D.ing around the world: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT ABOVE:) 1) Chica Diva and Michael Patrick, in Missoula, Montana; 2) Chelsea and Katie in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada; 3) Trace and friend in Lakewood, Florida; 4) the British Kennel Club’s “Bark and Read” Foundation logo’ and 5) Jordan and Drew the Greyhound in Atlanta, Georgia.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 6 FALL 2011 The R.E.A.D.® Program (cont.)

Utah’s First Lady Donates New Books A Tribute to One of to R.E.A.D. the Great R.E.A.D. he U.S. Governors Association held its conference in Salt Lake City in July of 2011. There were some leftovers when all was said and done, including some Dogs T700+ copies of a new children’s book, LaRue Across America, written by popular author Mark Teague. Mrs. Jeanette Herbert, Utah’s First Lady, thought the books should go to schools. Lucky for us, one of our ITA team members is Don Gould, a Utah Highway Patrol officer, who heard about this matter because he was assigned to work the convention. (Read about Don and his partner, Toby, and the incredible way they found each other, on page 13.) So Don lobbied Mrs. Herbert about the R.E.A.D. program, and convinced her that donating the new books to R.E.A.D. was the thing to do. (It is of course a dog story, which put the cherry on top!) We at ITA were delighted to accept the books from Mrs. Herbert on October 26 at Copper Hills Elementary in Midvale, a Title I school where reading is a big challenge. Every one of the first graders was there for the presentation and received a copy; for Robbie Roht - In Memorium most it was the very first book of their own. October 27, 2000 – April 29, 2011 Research tells us that receiving a brand new book is extremely significant for children obbie, partner of Cheryl Roht of who have never had books at home, far more valuable than getting used, hand-me- Leawood,R Kansas, was a R.E.A.D. dog down copies. For that reason, giving new books as rewards for accomplishments has extraordinaire whose pictures have conveyed always been part of the R.E.A.D. program, and we have been lucky to receive wonder- the essence of the program and capti- ful donations to help us keep that practice going. vated people all around the world. We also presented copies to the first graders at the McGillis School, and now are Robbie’s human, Cheryl, talks about offering them to R.E.A.D. teams nationwide Free (just shipping). what made him so great at his job: We are most grateful to Mrs. Herbert and the U.S. Governors; to Don Gould and “In the libraries he was friendly and Patrice Mealey of ITA for the very complicated task of arranging logistics between loved listening to the children read, of Copper Hills Elementary and Mrs. Herbert; course. It is hard, as all teams have and for all the staff at Copper Hills who experienced, to keep some parents at a helped the whole presentation event come distance so that the children can off so beautifully despite so many people to experience reading to the dog without accommodate. anyone offering criticisms, pressure, etc. On one occasion, a father pulled up a Thanks also to writer Lisa Schencker at the chair and sat very close behind us, Salt Lake Tribune for a lovely article, and Rick continuing a running commentary Egan for his endearing photos. Read throughout the 15 minutes we worked online at www.sltrib.com to see all the with his child (in spite of my suggesting photos in beautiful color (“For kids, he move a bit back). When she was dogs not just best friends, but study finished, the child went off to find buddies,” Friday, October 28, 2011). another book and, since we didn’t have anyone signed up for the next slot, we were going to relax. The father leaned over and said, “Oh, no one is here to read to poor Robbie! I’ll read to him!” So he sat himself down on the blanket next to Robbie and picked up a book. It was really funny because Robbie gave him (Continued on page 10)

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 7 FALL 2011 ITA’s First Dogwalk: “Walk & Wag for Wellness”

e did it—hosted our first ITA dog walk! Partnering with the University of Utah for their BE WELL UTAH week, we “Walked & Wagged for Wellness” on Saturday, WSeptember 10th, to introduce people of all ages to the joys of exercising with their dogs! We watched 95 people and 64 dogs stroll our one-mile course through Fort Douglas, on the U of U campus, and welcomed them back to get their pictures taken with Clifford the Big Red Dog, and then received free Martha Speaks books and goody bags. A particular highlight was the live music from the “Free Range Chickens,” our favorite local musicians! Our ITA teams, were everywhere—we were told over and over that the walkers especially enjoyed having them cheer everyone on at the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4-mile markers! As always, it takes lots of people to plan and execute a successful event, and we are grateful to everyone who helped, including Cindy Harris and the ITA staff. The University personnel were enormously helpful and supportive, and we are hoping to be invited back next year.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 8 FALL 2011 ITA’s Donors & Supporters 2011

Thank you! ITA is committed to promoting and enhancing the human-animal bond, but we could not do it without the generous donors who make all our accomplishments possible throughout 2011 and into the future. Individual, $500 to $999 Karen Keeley & Charlie Heinritz Judy Curtin Jan & Ted Nemcik Kristen Dalzen Corporate & ANONYMOUS (2) Carol Landauer Peggy Chudd Teresa Oborn Paula Davis Nancy Barthelmess Landmark Title Co. Sue DeMartini Jaimee O’Brien Susan & Skip Daynes Foundation Christine Brown Karen Laws Donald Dodson Janet Palmer The Dog Lodge Donors CANIDAE Natural Pet Foods Tracey Leetham Marilyn Domenick PEO Sisterhood Chapter Y The Dog’s Meow Ann & Sandy Coleman Kathryn Lindquist & James Moore Jane Dubitzky Chris Pellegrino The Dot Tim & Candace Dee Stephanie Magid Melanie & John Dutcher Rebecca Perry (R.E.A.D.) Karen Duncan $10,000 to $19,999 Every Blooming Thing Colleen Malouf Penny Edwards Jeanne Peterson Every Blooming Thing/Pam March ANONYMOUS Foundation Frankie Gibbs Sandi Martin Carol Elliott Linda Pierce Jean Glaser Laura J. Niles Foundation Google Shirley May May Elaine Ellis, Lita & Sophie Christina Powell & Gloria Shukitis Vicky Hall Lynn Jensen/Interwest Kerry McDonald Kathleen English Rebecca J. Rens The Happy Gourmet $5,000 to $9,999 Pam March The McGillis School Michele Erskine Becky Roeder Pat Hemingway Dr. Reed & Linda Channell Alice Pearson Sharon & Ed McGough Leona Ferris (R.E.A.D.) Debby Rogers Katherine Heywood Community Shares/Utah Christine Peterson/The Dog Lodge Barry Monk Sharon, Sherry & Denny Finke Cathy & Bryce Rosche Missy Hughes Richard K. & Shirley S. Hemingway Lon & Cindy Stalsberg (Friends of the) New Glarus (WI) Gina Fisher Margaret Rostkowski Anne Huskinson Foundation Lori & John Stockinger Public Library (R.E.A.D.) Beverly, Steve & Deb Foley David Sanchez Heather King Kathy Klotz Joe & Laurie Vervaecke Donna Olsen GAMBIES - Margaret Jane Conover Elizabeth Scheurer (R.E.A.D.) Kathy Klotz Utah Families Foundation Vera & Bruce Wood Marjorie & George Owens Jim & Carol Gent Alice & DuWayne Schmidt Students of La Europa Academy X-Mission, LLC PNM Resources (R.E.A.D.) Jean Glaser Gayle Shuler (R.E.A.D.) Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital $1,000 to $4,999 Primary Children’s Residential Mickey & Bob Grames Lynda & Roger Simmons Rich McKelvie ANONYMOUS $250 to $499 Treatment Center, the Kids at Gayle Chellis Grim Gina Simpson Smith Meditrina Restaurant Advanced Veterinary Care Francie Alexander & David Questar Breanna Green Katherine Smith & Family Meds for Vets Alexis Butler/The Dog’s Meow Blasband (R.E.A.D.) Red Cross of Constantine/Utah Susan Hafen (R.E.A.D.) Merry Pets Dog Services R. Harold Burton Foundation Kathy & Ron Aoki Phyllis Reppucci Bonni Hamilton Marge Thomas Monique Milius Jackie & Roy Byrd Anne Bialowas Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Jennifer Hanks Betty Thompson (R.E.A.D.) Millcreek Olive Oil Castle Foundation Beth Davis Charitable Trust Anita Sjoblom & Dennis Luttrell Scott Hansen & Peggy Norton Shannon Tilly Mountain Express Magazine Peg Chudd Cleaning Services Christina Ferdinand Leah Smith Donna Hernandez Patricia Toomey Nothing But Soap Kathy Como/BG Services Goldman Sachs Cindy & Richard Starley Maryanne Hickey (R.E.A.D.) United Way of the National Capital The Old Flamingo (R.E.A.D.) Virginia & Brad Harris Kevin Taylor Kathryn & David Hildebrandt Area Donna Olsen Susan & Skip Daynes Eliza Hintze Unitarian Universalist Marilyn & John Holt Cassandra Van Buren & Keith Chris Pellegrino Karen & Tom Duncan Heather King Congregation of Green Valley Sharon & Bert Hopeman Cormier Personal Training Zone Henry W. & Leslie M. Eskuche Connie Koenemann (AZ) Mary House Major Peter Walton Christine Peterson/The Dog Lodge Foundation Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital Linda & David Weiskopf Virginia Hughes Nancy Warmuth Royal Canin Dog Food Fuller Family Trust Order of the Eastern Star of Utah, ITA Bozeman Chapter Jeannie Watanabe Sterling & Danette Poulson Sterling & Shelli Gardner Grand Chapter to $99 Becky Johns Elizabeth Weisberg Starbucks (Clearfield) Foundation Donna Reif-Sack (R.E.A.D.) ANONYMOUS Marti Johns Linda & David Weiskopf Ultimate Vacations Lynne Hanson & Terry Hines Stephanie Saint-Thomas Raisa-Hannele Alameri-Sajama Ralph, Hoot & Ginda Jones Ann Elizabeth Williams University of Utah Alumni Ass’n Henry & Patrice Hemingway Dan Shaffer & Kim Anderton (R.E.A.D.) Roxanne Jones Beth Wolfgram Urbanscrap Glass Foundation Graham Walker Kristy Allen Diane Krantz Linda Wood and her R.E.A.D. Washed Up Soaps Pat & Hank Hemingway Donna Arnott Kristine Kwekkeboom (R.E.A.D.) Beagles, Chip & Holly Rosalie Winard Intermountain Healthcare $100 to $249 The Avenues Courtyard Deb Lang Lisa Wright & Kodi (R.E.A.D.) Zulu Nyala African Adventures JEPS Foundation - Jennifer Speers American Express Charitable Fund Christine Bachman (R.E.A.D.) Barbara & Frank Layden William York (R.E.A.D.) Kathy Klotz Katherine Astin Bark Busters/Mary Ann Harmon Jim Livingston Important: If you made a Masonic Foundation of Utah In-Kind Georgia & John Bircumshaw Ali Barnes Jackie Loeser Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael donation and are not Bountiful Community Church (The Brett & Rachael Beasley Scott & Laney Malon donors: Foundation properly acknowledged and Treasure Closet) Jeri Benson Mary Martin Mills Publishing 15th Street Gallery recognized above, please Barb & Bill Bowen John & Pamela Bermen Jeanie McAllister George Q. Morris Foundation Tom Alder Katherine Brown Holli Bianchi Lee & Debbie McAllister accept our sincere apologies. Mountain Express Magazine Ace Glass Worx Carol Carr & Boomer (R.E.A.D.) Sandra & Stan Booth Christine McBride If your name should be here PETCO Foundation Avenues Yoga Heather Champagne (R.E.A.D.) Linda & Tim Boyd Susan McDonald Danette & Sterling Poulson Pat Bagley and it isn’t, please, please Erika Daines Paula & Scott Breen Jacqueline McGill Prudential Foundation Alexis Butler contact our office (801- Georgianne & Lauren Dalzen Doris Bywater (R.E.A.D.) John McHugh SelectHealth - Select25 Award Caffe Expresso 272-3439) so that we may Don Dodson/Farmers Ins. Marlow Call Denise & Craig Meinhardt University of Utah Hospital Caputo’s Katie Domann Susan & Brent Cameron Pamela Ann Metz make necessary corrections Utah Medical Association (UMA) Celt Craft Designs Michele & Dan Franks Helen Carney Lynda Miner and recognize you on this Foundation The Chocolate Conspiracy Pat Gay Linda & Mike Carter (R.E.A.D.) Roberto Montenegro Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Andy Chudd page next time. We thank you ITA Bozeman MT Chapter Catherine Chamberlain Janet Morley Association (R.E.A.D.) Peggy Chudd with all our hearts for your Akiko Hare Sharon Child Myers Mortuary James D. Zankel (R.E.A.D.) Coach Mike’s Tennis Academy faithful support of ITA and Judi & David Harris Twinkle Chisholm Susan L. & Ella E. Nagy Costco Patricia Hogan Costco David & Christine Nelson,Sir Coupe animal-assisted therapy! Tina Hose-Sumner Janice Thomas Craig & Master Chilly Ellen Jesaitis Jacob Crnich

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 9 FALL 2011 Goodbye & Godspeed

Retiring: Robbie Roht (Continued from page 7) Ripley Hook Sjoblom Irish Setter partner of Jesse a look, stood up, moved a foot or two Riki Case & Marlie Bennett of Idaho Falls, ID [Unknown] — June 14, 2011 away, and lay down with his back to the Park City, UT  fellow, who observed correctly that  Maggie Robbie obviously specialized in children Scooter Pembroke Welsh Corgi partner and was taking a break! Robbie was great partner of Kendall Harris of of Alayne Fairbanks of Kaysville, with seniors at assisted living—he just Bozeman, MT UT   knew the difference between settings, and that this father was not his client. David Wiehe & Lennox Beatrice Salt Lake City, UT Basset Hound partner of Peggy “At school he always actively listened and  Chudd of Salt Lake City, UT looked at the pictures with the children.  Every so often, he would put his paw on Josephine If there can be a Basset partner of Sue Partain of Bonnie Blue “Renaissance Dog” in a page so the child would know that he Salt Lake City, UT Snowshoe Siamese partner of needed an explanation. He was terrific  Terri Davis of Ogden, UT terms of therapy work, in responding to subtle cues. One child Ginger  Hook was surely it, due to that had no trouble reading, his problem Rockea the length, breadth, depth Brittany Spaniel partner of Judy and variety of his work and was comprehension, so one day we were Curtin of Ogden, UT St. Bernard partner of Lori reading one of the “I Spy” books. He  Stockinger of Salt Lake City, UT his influence.  would read the word, see the picture and Aspen Among the many on the next page try to quickly find the Deceased: hallmarks in Hook’s life: item among dozens of other images. We Golden Retriever partner of Su were not doing very well and the boy was & Dave Child of Salt Lake City, • He was one of the T-Bear UT distracted and not focused. So on the  original R.E.A.D. dogs Golden Retriever partner of Pat who started our next page, after a minute or so I said, “I & Gary Brown of Bozeman, MT Amanda bet Robbie can find that ball!” Sure  monumental program Golden Retriever partner of Kay in 1999; he continued enough, his paw slapped that page right Sadie Brief of Salt Lake City, UT  on the ball (luck?!) The boy looked at Cocker Spaniel partner of Joan at the SL Main Library Robbie in disbelief. On the next page, it Brown of Ogden, UT and three other libraries  Albert was an airplane, and oops! Robbie did it Old English Sheepdog partner for many years. again. On the next page the boy found Oakley of Sue Block of Idaho Falls, ID  • He went with Anita to the train, and next he found the blocks. Golden Retriever partner of Ali more than 17 ITA At the end I asked him what he thought and Rachel Barnes of Salt Lake  programs and facilities, and he turned to me and said trium- covering the entire phantly, “I beat Robbie!” Tasselhoff range of activities and Basset Hound partner of Mary “Rob’s favorite was the Cheerios book Kemp of Salt Lake City therapies.  because the children would fill in the • He has starred in many tires, buttons etc. with the cereal and Hook of our film then he got to eat when they said “OK, Indescribable mix partner of productions, including Robbie.” If no one else was around to be Anita Sjoblom of Sandy, UT  the early PSAs done for distracted, Robbie loved to count (bark) us by Questar, the the number of Cheerios the child R.E.A.D. team training needed to fill in the blanks. He was asked (Continued on page next page) to demonstrate this talent at the staff and volunteer appreciation lunch; they also wanted to see him demonstrate tapping Give sorrow words: the page.” Our heartfelt thanks to Cheryl & Robbie The grief that does not speak for making a world of difference to so Whispers o'er the fraught heart, and bids it break. many children. — Wm. Shakespeare (in Hamlet)

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 10 FALL 2011 Recognition & Memorials

In MEMORY of . . . In HONOR of . . . In TRIBUTE to . . . DonationsDwight L. Barr, Jr. Stephanie Altimus’ 60th Birthday Baby, Midge, Sparky, Sam & Titus Karen Keeley & Charlie Heinritz John & Pamela Bermen Christina Powell and Gloria Shukitis Craig & Denise Meinhardt Nancy Brooks – Hands for Service Grant Mrs. Camarda Lori & John Stockinger Prudential Foundation Maryanne Hickey (R.E.A.D.) Blaze Floor Norma Disz & Sam Caring Canines of Richmond, VA (R.E.A.D.) Marjorie Owens Myers Mortuary Christine Bachman Buff & Scrubs, companions of Trudy Whitehead Katie Domann, DVM Kristine Gerber Pamela Ann Metz Mary Ann Harmon/Bark Busters Sandra & Stan Booth Dale Code Dory—for passing his CGC! Barbara Hartman Linda & David Weiskopf Stephanie Magid Katherine Smith & Family Marge Coombs Ridge Floor and Daisy Owens Susan Heidrich, PhD, RN Carol Elliott Marjorie Owens Kristine Kwekkeboom (R.E.A.D.) Ralph, Hoot & Ginda Jones Elliot (Vervaecke) at Primary Children’s Hollin, my first R.E.A.D. Companion Frank Fericks Sharon Child Donna Reif-Sack & Rocky Mountain Pat Gay My dad, who taught me that dogs are the best study R.E.A.D. Hook, partner of Anita Sjoblom partners Anita Sjoblom & Hook Peggy Chudd Rebecca Perry Jim Livingston Katie Domann, DVM Carla Carmain-Herret Kevin Taylor Kathy Klotz Joyce King & Jerry Runnels Cassandra Van Buren & Keith Anita Sjoblom & Dennis Luttrell Karin Jentzsch & Kimber Cormier Lois Jones Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Scarlet York Pamela Ann Metz Lucky & Rusty, partners of Donna Olsen (“I’m a big William York (R.E.A.D.) Kea, READing Dog, and Nieves Family fan!”) Francie Alexander & David Blasband Ann Elizabeth Williams Oakley Reading to ROO (R.E.A.D.) Ali Barnes Heather Champagne Rich Seagrave, beloved human partner of Roberta David Sanchez Ennis Costco ITA Bozeman Chapter Lisa & Steve Towner Christopher O’Donnell Stupp, beloved son of Carol Landauer Victoria O’Donnell Us — as a new therapy and R.E.A.D. team ITA Bozeman Chapter Lisa Wright & Kodi

Hook — In Memoriam her therapy cat, instead of Hook, to times were coming. He would head (Continued from page 10) their regular Thursday appointment at out to the car before I could get HealthSouth. Hook escaped the back there. And he knew what it meant to yard, leaving home to cross 13th East volunteer. He knew what to do for and the “AAT in Rehabilitation” (a solid black dog after dark) to get to each patient—and he knew when it was videos. HealthSouth, where he trotted time to work—though it was never • Hook joined ITA’s Hall of Fame with through the front doors and went actually work for him. Anita in 2001, and was named ITA straight down the hall to find Anita “Hook found or created joy in Therapy Animal of the year in 2009 and his patients. everything he tried and did —no matter to honor his long and varied service. • Anita says, “Hook loved volunteering. what it was.” • He is still the only ITA dog to have He would go anywhere and do gone to work all by himself. One anything requested of him. He knew night, Anita chose to take Riggins, when I put on my red shirt that good

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 11 FALL 2011 LetterLetterLetter fromfromfrom aaa DogDogDog

ear Friend, I smelled and felt all of the worries in a human life, but I am different. Like other animals, I want only what I need. It is my time to say goodbye. My legs are Your life is too complex for me to grasp. There are so weakening, my sight failing, smells are many things in it that are meaningless to me. faint. I am wearying. My spirit is fading, and I have been called home and away from you. I am so much simpler than you. DI wish to be strong again, to roll in gross stuff, to snatch I love you and I love all the people and animals in our greasy bones, to eat all of the things you hated me to home. And I love food and smelly things in the woods eat, to have my belly scratched for all time, to run and balls and Frisbees and bones. There is not much through the fields and the woods, to smell the stories of more to me than that, and yet you loved me for it, and life, and to raise my nose to the wind and see the world despite it. all over again. By now, you must know that there is always a goodbye I am going home. I know I leave you in loneliness and hovering in the shadow of a dog. We are never here for pain. That is the way of people when they say goodbye. long, or for long enough. We were never meant to share Dogs are different. We don’t have regrets or wish that all of your life, only to mark its passages. We come and we could alter the story of life. we go. We come when we are needed. We leave then it is time. Death is necessary. It defines life. Although I have been called away, I leave you with the memories of our life together. I will see you again. I remember a cold winter’s night when you sang to me in I will watch over you. the dark as the wind howled and snow drifted outside I hope, in your grief and loneliness, that you will consider the window. I felt your loneliness and knew my work. how sad it would have been had we not had this time When you looked at me and the corners of your mouth together, not had the chance to give each other so turned up, you smelled and looked different. Lighter, much. happier. That was my life, my work. Nothing more clearly I do not mourn or grieve, but I will miss standing beside defined my purpose. When you smiled, I knew why I was you, bound together on our walk through life, even as I here. know that there is a long line of others waiting to take my I never tired of watching you, of being with you while you place and stand with you. lived your life. I sat by your side, entering into the spirit of Thank you. It was nothing but a gift. the moment. I supported your life, wherever it went, whatever you felt, whatever you did. I was your witness, And finally, I ask these things of you: your testament. Remember me. I remember walking in the snow. And running alongside Celebrate me. you. And chasing after balls, Frisbees, sticks. And warm fires on cold nights. And sitting by you when you read Grieve for me. books or watched baseball games. And then, when you can, let me go, freely and in peace. I remember my heart jumping out of my chest when you When you are ready, do me the great honor of bringing came home and called my name, or grabbed a ball, or another dog into your life, so you can give and receive took me outside, or fed me. I hope you know that I loved this gift again. ♥ all of those things—whatever you chose to bring me and give me, whatever time you spent with me, I loved. — Jon Katz And I thank you. in Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die (2011) I always knew where you were, even when you forgot me or couldn’t see me. You had no secrets from me. You showed me everything. We trusted each other. Unlike people, I would never hurt you. I could never hurt you. It is not an instinct I possess.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 12 FALL 2011 Both Ends of the Leash

and reassuring words. Looking around, I saw a bowl on the floor and an un- opened package of hot dogs floating in the water. I thought to myself that this About dog probably did not get the most healthy diet. I told him to stay and climbed back out of the semi. The other officer and I agreed that the dog was mellow enough, so I would take both him and his owner to town. I went to my car and started to make room in the front seat for my new passenger. I asked his owner what the dog’s name was and he told me it was Toby. “Is he a good dog?” I asked. “He won’t give you any problems,” was all he replied. The Toby Chronicles ten years and had seen this driving pattern many times, but never from a I returned to the semi to see my co- semi. When I got the semi stopped, I had worker laughing again. Toby had Don Gould & Toby driver get out of the truck and walk to apparently jumped out of the passenger- know that people/pet relationships the back of his trailer. He staggered as he side window and had to be coerced back vary on many levels. I can identify walked and slurred his speech. After the into the truck. I opened the door, called with that, since I had a few pets when field sobriety tests, I arrested the driver his name and he climbed from the I sleeper berth to the front seat and just growing up—fish, a parakeet, and a for DUI. By now, another UHP officer hamster. My family eventually graduated had arrived on the scene to assist me. My looked at me. I told him to jump out, to an indoor cat who lived to be 20 years colleague walked towards me and began which he was more than happy to do. old. We all loved her very much, but to laugh. “There is a dog in there,” he Once on the ground, he just hung from the time I moved out I was not sure said, chuckling. around us like one of the guys. I grabbed if I needed or even wanted a pet; I his collar and escorted him to my car. Immediately, I began to think of how thought I was quite content on my own. He hopped into the front seat and lay much hassle this was going to be. right down. Many pet owners say that their pet chose Standard protocol is to call animal them and not vice-versa, and I definitely control; they respond and hold the During our drive to town, his owner was fit into this category. I was a newly- animal until the owner can claim it. But crying about losing his “cow dog.” Toby assigned sergeant with the Utah Highway we were 70 miles from town on a holiday paid no attention to the person Patrol, stationed in Wendover. I had just weekend. Next I began thinking how to blubbering in the back seat and instead moved there and begun a new chapter in convince the other officer to transport seemed to be enjoying the air condition- my life on the first of July 2007. On the the dog to town. “Is he friendly?” I ing. He then sprawled out as much as 4th of July, I was working the day shift, asked. Still laughing, he said he was. possible on the front seat and gently laid after helping out with the town parade, his head across the center radio console As I climbed in to the semi cab, the first when a call came across the radio that and just looked at me with those big thing that I saw was a large ice chest there was a reckless semi truck driving brown eyes. I already knew that he was a between the front seats. Most of the ice eastbound several miles out of good dog, but at that moment I could had melted and several unopened cans of Wendover. The driver was weaving all tell that he was a very special dog. beer were bobbing around in the water. over the road and had actually run off Empty beer cans littered the floor. I At the jail, I took Toby into the dispatch several times before making it back into peeked into the sleeper berth behind the center to be watched while I took care of his lane. I responded to the call, started seats, and that is when I saw him … business. After the driver was booked eastbound from Wendover and caught up into jail, I returned to the dispatch to the semi. A skinny, tri-color border collie peered center to find Toby being smothered up at me with big, friendly eyes, just It was true; the semi was all over the with attention from all of the waiting for someone to say hi. I greeted road. I had been on the UHP for over dispatchers. He was obviously enjoying him with a welcomed scratch on the head (Continued on page 21)

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 13 FALL 2011 Both Ends of the Leash (cont.)

ITA Wins Select25 Award

the other dogs for the first time. Linda & David Fortunately, she demurs from displaying such conduct during her visits with clients. At least, she seems willing to Weiskopf and show some restraint provided that she still gets to enthusiastically greet any Cara other ITA dogs outside first! ara, our 3-year-old Labrador/ There probably is not a moving story we CGolden Retriever cross, is our ITA could tell you about Cara that you have partner. We live in Pleasant View, Utah, not already heard in some other guise. just north of Ogden, and regularly take That is the great thing about ITA’s Cara to the McKay-Dee Hospital, the therapy work—each team’s great McKay-Dee Behavioral Health Institute, experiences are both universal and and the Emeritus Estates senior living unique. One of our favorites occurred at center. She also helps out with special the hospital. A patient who was bed- events at Weber State University from ridden with serious depression remarked time to time. to a staff person, just after a visit with Bred by Canine Companions for Cara, “I think I will get out of bed, Independence to be a service dog, Cara because I now realize there is so much to is very familiar with WSU. She used to live for.” That’s the quintessential joy attend concerts there while she was a that our clients receive from the dogs. n June 3rd, 25 Utah nonprofits service pup in training. Cara decided Cara has the company at home of a 15- were treated to lunch by the people on a change of career (in other words, month-old CCI puppy, the fifth puppy O at SelectHealth, and each organization she did not entirely meet CCI’s rigorous we have raised for CCI, and a 13-year- was awarded a $2,500 grant. ITA is standards), and she has been working as old Australian Shepherd. We are really proud to be one of those Select25! They a therapy dog for almost two years now. enjoying our volunteering for ITA, made gorgeous 7’ tall banners for each ITA handlers up north who do not providing valuable canine companion- of us, as well, which we got to keep after recognize her name probably can recall ship to people in need at no cost to they spent some time this summer in the her by her characteristic leaping them. What a wonderful gift! enthusiastically 4 feet straight into the Intermountain Health Care facilities. air at ITA gatherings as she approaches Thanks, Select Health!

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 14 FALL 2011 About Animals

Dog with two broken legs finds owner ITA’s Wish List after storm Good News We’re Begging for . . . Good Newskind of tapering off, the amount of animals we're • 8.5 x 11 white paper by the seeing because of the case, for copying and print- storm. For an animal just to show up on someone's ing porch after this time was • (6) healthy ergonomic pretty remarkable, especially with the desk chairs (Our ancient condition he's in," donated chairs are getting shelter worker Phil dangerous!) Doster told the news Shelter vet Dr. Barbara Benhart with Mason station. • An “Easy-Up” tent for scruffy Alabama terrier mix named Mason is "doing fantasic" after his May keeping our dogs in the AMason was whisked away by fierce 20 surgery where metal plates were shade during community twisters last month, prompting his attached to his bones so they could heal, events owners, who lost their home in the Doster told The Lookout in an email. storm, to fear the worst. But the "We are excited that he will be going back • Portable display boards, redoubtable mutt apparently crawled to his family and to the home where he for community educational back to his home days later with two finally returned after 3 weeks," he wrote. broken legs in a remarkable tale of Mason is expected to be able to walk booths and similar events survival. completely normally after he recovers in • Video camera Local news outlet WBRC reports that about six weeks, though his front legs Mason was blown away by the storm from will be a bit shorter than his back legs. • Flash drives the garage in Birmingham where he was Mason's family has requested to not be hiding on April 27. His owners looked named in the media, Doster added, but • Gift cards to office suppy for him everywhere but couldn't find they are "very excited" for Mason to stores, Costco and Target him. Two and a half weeks later, though, come home when their house is again they found Mason waiting for them on habitable in about five weeks. • Paper goods (plates, their front porch when they returned to Pets are often forgotten victims of napkins, plastic cutlery, the house to look through the debris. natural disasters such as the fierce cups, etc.) storms and tornadoes that have battered Workers at the Birmingham Jefferson • Postage stamps County Animal Control shelter are now the Midwest the past few months. The Human Society of the United States has caring for Mason, since his owners say • Sponsor- they can't take care of him while they sent rescue teams to find pets in Joplin, piece their lives back together after the Missouri, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and ships for our storm. "This is probably the most other hard-hit areas. training dramatic we've seen as far as an injury in By Liz Goodwin – Thu May 26, 2011 workshops an animal that's survived this long. It's (ABC News and online at Yahoo.com) and manuals

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 15 FALL 2011 ITA Celebrates

It was a Great Party! PAWS in the GALLERYGallery

(RIGHT:) Skip Daynes & Diva staying cool; (BELOW:) Williams Fine Art provided the perfect atmosphere, and the house was full.

(ABOVE:) Pat Bagley drew caricatures for the guests; (BELOW:) ITA Team Jan Owens and Ridge provided important canine social therapy

(BELOW:) Our first blown-up check! ITA Executive Director Kathy Klotz, Board Chair Susan Daynes, and Susan’s partner Diva enjoy receiving their Select25 Award at the Intermountain Medical Center in June.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 16 FALL 2011 More Good Stuff

George the Basset Hound(above) and Tango the Portuguese Water Dog (below) bring some much- needed affection, distraction and fun to their clients.

Intermountain Therapy Animals is pleased to have been chosen as one of the charities to receive funding from the 2011 Utah Charities Golf Challenge, sponsored by the Utah Families Foundation and hosted by U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch and his wife, Elaine. This year the tournament was held at the Zermatt Resort located in Midway, Utah, on August 14-16th. We were there on the golf course during the Challenge!

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 17 FALL 2011 Letters from our Friends

July 2011 Dear ITA, We are fighting with our insurance over some behavioral health services [our daughter] receivedDearDear during her first hospital stay last ITAITA year. While well-intentioned, these services didn't benefit her much. What really changed her attitude and demeanor were her visits from the therapy dogs, especially Elliot. What a blessing you were to us during our stays there! We appreciate you so much and all you do. We pray for YOUR good health and blessings to you. And our whole family loves that we can still follow you and see what Elliot and Joe have Savannah and Diva at Primary Children’s been up to lately on FB. July 31, 2011 A grateful mom, Dear ITA: November 8, 2011 JoAnne Christensen Thank you! My Connor, age 15, was at Dear Susan, Primary Children’s Hospital in June. The — — It was so good to meet you and Diva a couple highlight was Elliot. What a sweet dog and of days ago! Your timing was impeccable! kind handler! Having the dog was so helpful. September 13, 2011 Savannah had had six seizures, all about 5 to Connor asked me to wake him up if the dog 7 minutes apart. As soon as Diva came into Dear Friends at ITA, came by. the room, the seizures stopped and she didn’t Thanks to Intermountain Therapy Animals, Wish there were dogs every day. It would have any more the rest of the day. the Big Sky Kids Program continues to bring certainly brighten up everyone’s day, The seizures that Savannah is having are non- hope and respite to families with a child including parents. epileptic, but hvae been very frightening for battling cancer. We deeply appreciate your Please accept our check for some extra dog her and very painful. gift of bringing animals to spend time and treats! hike with our campers for Camp Braveheart. You and Diva brought joy into our lives, and Thanks again! We love Elliot! Savannah continues to talk about the You and your dogs are simply amazing!! We wonderful experience she had. absolutely love having you with our families at Sharon Child camp. Attached are photos we took while Diva was — — with Savannah. Camp Braveheart is truly a magical place for Thanks again! everyone involved, and you have helped make November 1, 2011 it possible. From Eagle Mount’s Board, staff, Love and hugs, Dear ITA, volunteers and participants—thank you! Cathleen Spacil With sincere gratitude, I wanted to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt and sincere gratitude for the Savannah’s mom Mary Peterson time Peggy Chudd & George spent with us at — — Executive Director our learning day, Joy of the Book. Not only did they create a very meaningful lesson for Lisa Batzler our students, but your gift of the books was Big Sky Kids Director wonderful. Also, great article in the [Salt Lake] Tribune! — — Thank you so much for putting what you believe into actions. What you and your teams do makes a huge impact upon our world. Thanks! Sincerely, Josh Goldberg The McGillis School

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 18 FALL 2011 Portraits

For holiday gifts and beyond . . . let us turn your favorite pet photo into an exquisite portrait. Visit us online www.therapyanimals.org to see samples, or call the ITA Office 801.272.3439 for more details. You’ll be glad you did.

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 19 FALL 2011 ITA therapy animals Sherlock the kitty (above) and George the Basset Hound (below) demonstrate the power of healing connections.

AIM THAT CAR OUR WAY! Donate your vehicle to Intermountain Therapy Animals Unwanted but usable vehicles. Most are welcome including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, etc. Vehicles must have a clear title and no major damage. Some restrictions apply. To donate, just go to our website: www.therapyanimals.org For complete details, go to www.vehiclesforcharity.org, or call 1-866-628-CARS (2277) • Free Pick-Up • Free Title Services • Going Ever Potential Tax Deduction Greener: Would you prefer to Thanks to Tom Alder and Williams Fine Art receive the ITA News for Hosting “Paws in the Gallery!” by e-mail in the future? E-mail [email protected] and we will make it so! 200 East South Temple, Suite 100, downtown Salt Lake City

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 20 FALL 2011 Don Gould & Toby come pick him up that afternoon. The knew it. She told me that I needed a dog (Continued from page13) next several hours consisted of calling a and Toby and I were perfect for each trusted friend about brands of dog food other. Not wanting to admit I was now a himself, but when I walked in, his eyes as well as dogs’ needs. I made trips to dog owner, I told her that I would think seemed to light up a little bit more. Now local stores for food, bowls, leash and a about it. But as we left the office, I knew I had to take Toby to one of the local collar, and then drove to the vet’s office. it was final. I was going to keep Toby. As veterinarians who boards animals until he looked at me from the passenger seat their owners get out of jail. I knew this while we drove back to Wendover, I would be hard. could see in his eyes that he had already chosen me. We were both starting a new Toby hopped into the car—the front seat, chapter in life. of course—and we started to the vet. As soon as we turned into the parking lot, I In the following months we learned a lot could see fear mounting in Toby. My together. As you can guess, as a first- heart sank. I dreaded leaving him there. time dog owner with the smartest dog in world, it was a steep learning curve for Other dogs were barking uncontrollably. me. We spent tons of time together It was a hectic atmosphere. I pulled up to chasing rabbits and lizards in the desert the outdoor kennel area and opened the and made the rounds to various city passenger door. Toby did not want to get offices to visit with all the staff. Toby out; he just sat there looking at me. He quickly became a very popular dog. finally, begrudgingly, climbed out but stuck to my side. At the empty cage, I Toby has so much love to give that I knew told Toby to get inside. He refused. I I could probably share his specialness asked several times, to no avail. Finally, I with others. I researched the options for went inside the kennel myself and coaxed volunteering and found ITA. We became Toby inside. I felt terrible about having an ITA team in May of 2009. It has been to use deceit on such a loving dog. I two years since we joined ITA and still, scooted out and shut the door behind on every visit we do, I can see in Toby’s me. When I looked back I saw a sad, eyes the love he offers to everyone he scared dog looking back at me with comes in contact with. betrayal in his eyes. I told him he would be fine and out in a few days, but as I drove away I could not bear to look back at Toby sitting scared and alone. Toby & Don recreating together in the Utah desert. Six days later, on July 11th, I received a Each of our 350 ITA therapy phone call from the vet. Toby was still I paid the boarding fee and then out teams is absolutely unique, there—what was the status of his owner? came Toby, being led by a vet assistant. since all the people and ani- Was he going to pick up Toby? I was He was mellow and obedient and the mals bring to their volunteer amazed and could not understand why staff had clearly taken a liking to him. his owner had not picked him up. I When he saw me, he got excited. His eyes practice an endless kaleido- called the jail and was told that the driver lit up and I knew he had already forgiven scope of ages, sizes, breeds, had bailed out the day after his arrest. I me for leaving him there. One rabies backgrounds and talents. called his phone number and, after a shot later, we were walking out the door, brief conversation, he told me that he Toby not leaving my side and doing What about you and your was at a point in his life where he could exactly what I wanted him to do before I not take care of a dog. He said his “cow even told him. companion animal? If you think dog” needed to go to a good home. I you both might enjoy volunteer- called the vet and relayed this message. I drove to our local UHP office and took ing with ITA, providing animal- “Do you know of anyone who would take Toby inside to show him off. I told our the dog?” he asked. I said I didn’t, but secretary Toby’s story and that I was assisted therapies at one of the he assured me he would be able to find trying to find him a good home. Without more than 100 facilities we him a home. missing a beat she said, “He’s already found a good home.” I guess my eyes visit, call ITA to learn more: A switch flipped in my head. I had never said it all. Without knowing it, I had 801.272.3439 had a dog in my life, but I knew this dog already decided to keep Toby and she was special. I told the vet that I would

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 21 FALL 2011 Art for the Heart WAG MORE, BARK LESS.

Jean Glaser — Animal Portraits For more info and pricing please see my website www.craigandjean.com/jeanglaseranimalportraits/ “Playing a Steinway 435-602-9158 Email [email protected] is good6935 therapy,South State Street too.” 10% Discount for ITA Members 801-566-6090

The Dog Lodge takes a different approach to dog care. We know how important your dog is to you, so we've created a home-style atmosphere that is fun, safe and comfortable. While you're away, your dog will meet and play with new friends or just sit and relax while snuggling-up with our attentive staff. Because we take a limited number of dogs, your dog will receive the personal attention you can't give him while you're away. 7101 South 400 West Draper: 12215 South 900 East 801-501-0818 Midvale, UT 84047 Salt Lake City: 2045 East 3300 South 801-468-0700 801-566-1225 www.dogsmeow.com

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 22 FALL 2011 The Facilities and Programs We Serve

Intermountain Therapy Animals team volunteers are currently participating in animal-assisted interactions (AAT or AAA), including R.E.A.D. programs, at the following facilities:

UTAH – SALT LAKE AREA TURN Community Summer Camps Emeritus Estates Assisted Living / Ogden Bozeman Deaconess Hospital (cancer treatment Affinity Hospice / SLC University of Utah University Hospital (Rehab Services, The Gardens / Ogden center, dialysis unit and surgical waiting room) Alta Ridge of Holladay Burn ICU, MedPsych Unit and Surgical Waiting George E. Wahlen Veterans Home / Ogden Bozeman Health & Rehab / Bozeman (Retirement, Alta View Hospital / Sandy Room) Girls Independent Living / Ogden re-hab) Anderson-Foothill Library / SLC (R.E.A.D.) University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute (Adult and Heritage Park Care Center / Roy (Alzheimer’s Patients) Bozeman Lodge (Retirement) Aspen Ridge Rehabilitation Center (Rehabilitation Child Units) Highland Park Elementary / Clearfield (R.E.A.D.) Bozeman Public Library (R.E.A.D.) therapies) Utah Cancer Specialists / SLC Holt Elementary School / Clearfield (R.E.A.D.) Churchill Retirement Home / Manhattan Benchmark Hospital / Woods Cross (Adolescents in Utah Guardian Ad Litem’s Office / SLC Logan Regional Hospital / Logan Eagle Mount Camp / Bozeman Residential Treatment Program for Drugs and Utah School for the Deaf & Blind / Connor Street Manor Care / Ogden Edgewood Vista (Retirement) Violence and R.E.A.D. program) (Children With Multiple Disabilities) McKay-Dee Hospital (IHC) / Ogden (Transitional Care, Emily Dickinson Elementary (R.E.A.D.) / Bozeman Boys & Girls Clubs of Midvale (R.E.A.D.) Utah State Prison / Women’s Inpatient Unit Psychiatric, Oasis Program and Rehabilitation Units) Epicenter / Bozeman Canyon Creek Assisted Living / Sandy Utah Youth Village / Murray (Foster and group homes) Mount Ogden Junior High / Ogden Gallatin County Health Dept. / Bozeman Canyon Rim Academy / SLC (R.E.A.D.) Veterans Hospital / SLC (Rehabilitation/Hospice/Care Mountain Ridge Assisted Living / Ogden (immunization clinics for kids) Canyon Rim Care Center (short- and long-term care) Center) Mountain View Health Services / Ogden Gallatin Gateway School (R.E.A.D.) Care Source Residence (Hospice care) The Wentworth at East Millcreek North Ogden Jr. High (R.E.A.D.) Gallatin County Rest Home / Bozeman North Park Elementary (R.E.A.D.) / Roy Hawthorne Elementary School (R.E.A.D.) Children's Center / SLC (Treatment Center) UTAH – PARK CITY AREA Chateau Brickyard / SLC Rocky Mountain Care / Clearfield (Assisted Living) Head Start (R.E.A.D. programs) Elk Meadows Assisted Living / Oakley Columbus Community Center / SLC Logan Nursing & Rehab / Logan Highgate / Bozeman (retirement home) Heber Valley Medical Center Copper Hills Youth Center / West Jordan (residential Utah Schools for the Deaf & Blind / Harrison Blvd., Ogden LaMotte School (R.E.A.D.) Jeremy Ranch Elementary (R.E.A.D.) treatment) (Children with Multiple Disabilities) Longfellow Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Old Mill Elementary School / Heber (R.E.A.D.) Copperview Elementary / SLC (R.E.A.D.) Vista Care Hospice / Ogden Missoula Public Library (R.E.A.D.) Park City Medical Center Crossland Rehabilitation / SLC Wasatch Care Center / Ogden Monforton School / Bozeman (R.E.A.D.) Garden Terrace / SLC Morningstar Elementary (R.E.A.D.) / Bozeman HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital / Sandy (Long-term Mountain View Care Center / Bozeman Rehabilitation) Piggy the Pit Bull engages with a Parkhaven Retirement / Bozeman Heritage Place / Bountiful (Seniors) friend at Shriners Hospital Quaw-Heck School (R.E.A.D.) Highland Care Center / SLC (Senior Care) in Salt Lake City REACH Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults Highland Cove Retirement Community / SLC / Bozeman Hillcrest Care Center / Sandy (Senior Care) Riverside Assisted Living Holy Cross Ministries (R.E.A.D.) Shields Valley Elementary / Willsal (R.E.A.D. Hope Center for Children / SLC Sourdough Montessori (R.E.A.D.) Intermountain Medical Center / Murray Springmeadows Assisted Living / Bozeman Jackson Elementary / SLC (R.E.A.D.) Whittier Elementary (R.E.A.D.) / Bozeman Jordan Valley Hospital / West Jordan (Med Surg) Juvenile Justice Services / SLC (Observation & IDAHO Assessment) 3B Juvenile Detention Center / Idaho Falls King's English Bookshop / SLC Bridgeview Estates (long-term care center) / Twin La Europa Academy - Girls’ Residential Treatment / SLC Falls Lakeview Hospital / Bountiful (Senior Psych Unit) Cassia Regional Medical Center / Burley LDS Hospital (IHC) / Rehabilitation Services Eastern Idaho Medical Center (EIRMC) Learning Services / Riverton (Adult Males with Longterm EIRMC Behavioral Health Center Disabilities) Hansen Public Library (R.E.A.D.) LifePath Hospice Harwood Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Mt. Olympus Rehabilitation / SLC (Rehabilitation Jefferson Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Services) Larsen-Saint Public Library / Preston (R.E.A.D.) Observation & Assessment, Boys’ Unit / Salt Lake City Parley’s Park Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Snake River Juvenile Detention Center / Twin Falls (Adolescents in juvenile detention) Washington Terrace Elementary / Ogden (R.E.A.D.) Peace House Southern Idaho Learning Center / Twin Falls Observation & Assessment, Girls’ Unit / Salt Lake City Waterfall Canyon Academy / Ogden (students with McPolin Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Twin Falls Public Library (R.E.A.D.) (Adolescents in juvenile detention) cognitive disabilities) Park City Library (R.E.A.D.) Our House / Sandy (Assisted Living) Weber County Library / Ogden (R.E.A.D.) Rocky Mountain Care Center / Heber ParkLane Senior Apts. / SLC (retirement housing) Weber Valley Detention Center / Ogden Summit County Library (R.E.A.D.) NEVADA/CALIFORNIA Pioneer Valley Hospital / WVC Willard Elementary / Willard (R.E.A.D.) Timpanogos Intermediate School / Heber (Special Camp Care, Camp Lotsafun & MDA Camp / Reno Primary Children’s Hospital (IHC) / SLC (Inpatient Willow Glan Health & Rehab / Brigham City Education) Incline Village Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Rehabilitation Services) Wasatch High School / Heber (Special Education) Marvin Piccolo School / Reno (R.E.A.D.) Primary Children’s Residential Treatment Center (IHC) / UTAH – UTAH VALLEY AREA Nevada State Dept. of Corrections / Carson City SLC (Children With Emotional and Abuse Issues) American Fork Hospital Plains Regional Medical Center Recovery Ways Treatment Center / SLC UTAH – OGDEN / LOGAN Center for Change /Orem (Eating disorders) Tahoe Forest Hospital / Truckee Riverton Library / Riverton (R.E.A.D.) Archway Youth Service Center / Ogden Courtyard at Jamestown / Provo Washoe County Public Library (R.E.A.D.) / Incline RHA Community Services / SLC Aspen Behavioral Center / Syracuse Golden Living / Orem (Senior care) Village Ronald McDonald House / Salt Lake City Aspen Care Center / Ogden (Assisted Living) Summerfield Manor / Orem (Assisted living) Salt Lake City Libraries / SLC (R.E.A.D.) Behavioral Health Institute / Ogden (Acute Care and Day Utah Cancer Specialists / Provo Salt Lake County Libraries (R.E.A.D.) KENTUCKY/OHIO Treatment) Utah Valley Regional Medical Center / Provo Salt Lake County Youth Services Hospice of Hope / Maysville Canyon View School LIFE Program / Ogden Rocky Mountain Hospice / St. George Salt Lake Regional Medical Center / SLC CAPSA / Logan (Domestic violence shelter) Mason County Detention Center Sandy Regional Medical Center Centro de la Familia / Providence (Center for families) Ohio Valley Manor / Ripley The Sharing Place / SLC Chancellor Gardens / Clearfield (Assisted Living) MONTANA Shriner’s Hospital for Children / Salt Lake City (Children Christmas Box House (Children in care of state services) Absarokee Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Undergoing Orthopedic Procedures) / Ogden Aspen Pointe / Bozeman South Davis Community Hospital / Bountiful (Long- and Clearfield Elementary (R.E.A.D.) Bear Creek Respite / Bozeman Short-term Rehab) Coalville Library (R.E.A.D.) Belgrade Public Library (R.E.A.D.) South Valley Sanctuary / West Jordan (Woman & Child Country Pines Retirement / Ogden Big Sky Ski Patrol / Big Sky Center) Crestwood Care Center / Ogden Big Sky Youth Center / Bozeman Snowbird Mountain School / Alta Davis Behavioral Health - Crisis Recovery Unit / Layton Birchwood Retirement / Bozeman TURN Community Services / SLC H. Guy Child Elementary (R.E.A.D.) / Ogden

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 23 FALL 2011 Intermountain Nonprofit Org. ITA Therapy Animals U.S. Postage 4050 South 2700 East P A I D Salt Lake City, UT 84124 Salt Lake City, UT Permit #549 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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1021 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 801.942.3951 “We at Advanced Veterinary Care are proud to have the opportunity to honor an organi- zation dedicated to such a noble cause, and that shares our commitment to enhancing the lives of the people in our community through our love for animals. It is the passion of organizations such as Intermountain Therapy Animals that makes Utah a great state.” – John Thompson, Chief Executive Officer

INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS 24 FALL 2011