I pull my car into Sam’s* driveway with my dogs, Rosie and Freddy. Sam gives a wave from his front steps. He’s ready to go and waiting for our visit. Slowly lifting his body up from the steps, Sam walks over to the front seat. It’s mid-afternoon and this is the first time Sam has left his apartment today. Walking up and down the stairs is exhausting for him, but his doctors all agree the exercise is good for his health. Grinning from ear to ear, Sam says hello to me, and then calls out to Freddy and Rosie. My two dogs live to serve and are eagerly wagging their tails as Sam climbs in to the front seat. Our crew doesn’t drive far, just up the street to a neighborhood park for our weekly walk.
I’ve been visiting Sam, a homebound senior, for over six months now as part of my volunteer work with Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ (JFCS) Canine Companion Program. I’m not a therapist, but when I see the connection and relationship created between my client and my dogs I can see firsthand the incredible positive impact and the emotional benefits that dogs have.
I’ve really enjoyed volunteering with my dogs at JFCS’ Canine Corps. I love it so much I’ve been through their training twice in order to train both of my rescue dogs to become canine companions! I love that I get individually matched with a senior, and I get to build a relationship with someone in need of kindness and companionship. It’s been incredible to be part of the one-on-one model with the dogs.
There’s no “typical” outing with my senior clients. Over the years as a volunteer I’ve supported many different types of people. One client didn’t want to talk to me at all and only focused on Freddy – they played fetch for our entire visit. Another client would talk my ear off and didn’t pay much attention to my dog. Each relationship is different.
I also volunteer with the SPCA. It is fun and lively. I typically visit a facility and there may be 10 to 30 people in an activity room waiting to pet my dogs. In that situation, I find it harder to get to know people, or have my dogs bond to one person. It’s a lot of people and just a few pups.
As I walk through the park with Sam, we take frequent breaks, often stopping to rest on park benches as he catches his breath. Rosie is always there to jump up to snuggle next to him. I get to listen to Sam’s stories of traveling the world in his younger days. Even though walking is difficult for him and we sometimes talk about sad subjects, the light in Sam’s eyes never leaves. It’s clear that this is the best part of his day, maybe even his week.
* Client’s name changed for confidentiality
Volunteers interested in participating in JFCS’ Canine Companion Program or learning more about Jewish Family and Children’s Services can contact Miriam Markowitz at MiriamM@JFCS.org or visit our website at www.JFCS.org.
JFCS’s Canine Companion Program is to help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes. The senior’s services division of JFCS and volunteers play a vital role in carrying it out. This program provides an opportunity for seniors to experience the benefits of human-animal interaction, often helping them remain independent for a longer span of time.
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