KYLE — Therapy dogs can play an important role in the emotional well-being of humans, according to the National Institute of Health. Taking this into account is why the goal of Canines Who Care is simple: make others feel good.
Jyl Hershman-Ross, a certified Tellington TTouch practitioner and dog trainer, initially began as a behavior consultant for PAWS Shelter prior to taking over the role as trainer for Canines Who Care.
According to the trainer, the therapy dog program began in 2011 through PAWS Shelter with Melody Hilburn and her dog, Tucker, who was incredibly sweet and loved visiting people.
“These dogs are trained to a certain standard. So, we know they’re pretty bomb proof,” said Hershman-Ross, who does all of the training herself.
The program, which is entirely free and volunteerran, requires those who want to participate to attend all the training classes and pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test. The only ask, said the trainer, is that the handler makes a donation to PAWS to cover the cost of their gear, such as a vest for the animal. There are no dog breed restrictions, she said, as the only requirement is that the dog is kind and passes the required courses.
When the program began, there were approximately five dogs and, now, there are 23, said Hershman-Ross.
“We’ve gotten bigger and I’ve recruited more people to join. The big motivating factor was the bus wreck that happened with Tom Green [Elementary School] last year. So, when that happened, [the school district] reached out to me and said, ‘I think we need dogs for family and for kids and for teachers,’” said the trainer.
Then, the head of the counseling department wanted dogs at the school every day for children arriving off of buses and prior to leaving in the afternoon. Now, there is a set agreement with the district and Canines Who Care, which provides dogs at need to the district upon request. Hershman-Ross explained that there are regular programs, such as Mutts on Mondays during Johnson High School lunch and visits to Sunfield and Tom Green elementary schools, as well as Wallace Middle School.
At the moment, there are currently discussions to set up additional weekly programs at other schools throughout the district.
“I’ve been there for anxiety groups that the counselors have organized for kids in inschool suspension who have a big attitude and then, you walk in and they’re just [in awe]. They ask me questions and it just peels back [their] layers. They’re really engaged,” explained Hershman-Ross.
As the program grows, Herman-Ross stated that staff members at the schools are signing up for the program to have dogs on campuses at all times. One of these staff members that has signed up speaks Spanish, said the trainer, which is something she really strived to have, especially in a city where so many are Spanish speakers.
She also noted that someone can train to be a handler even if they do not have a dog of their own. For example, if a staff member at a school has a dog that is trained, but is too busy to take it to an event, an additional teacher can become a handler for that dog.
Although there is a partnership with the school district, Canines Who Care is available for any facility that needs it. There are several volunteers who make regular visits to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital and to assisted living and memory care facilities in the city.
“There’s an assisted living and memory care place right up the street. We go there once a week and you can tell the difference in the people. They miss their dogs or it will trigger a memory that’s really pleasant for them,” she recalled.
“[This program] is huge for the community because dogs can access a part of you that humans can’t.
Animals just have a whole other thing that they can do, non-verbally,” concluded Hershman-Ross.
For those who are interested in volunteering with their dog, email [email protected]. Information regarding Canines Who Care attending events can be found by reaching out to PAWS Shelter or, if requesting services at a specific school, reach out to the counseling department.
