Author: Jim

It has long been known that wilderness experiences and outdoor and adventure-based education support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development in children and teens. Students who learn outdoors develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative. Add to this the documented research that is growing in support of Animal Assisted Therapy especially for children with medical challenges, like cancer, and one can see how therapy teams in Central Oregon fit perfectly into a nine day adventure in the Sisters Wilderness called “See You At The Summit”.

Ole and I are one of three therapy dog teams participating in See You At The Summit. Quite a wonderful adventure for these teens from Washington and Oregon. I felt Paul Petzoldt affirming the life changing experiences for these remarkable young people. Several more days ahead with the goal of a summit.

The experience was serendipitous for Compassionate Canines: a cancellation from established Portland-based teams left the program in need of therapy dogs and handlers. Jennifer Horseman, our local volunteer coordinator for Compassionate Canines of Central 
Oregon, was able to respond. Despite the short notice, Jennifer put out the word for volunteers and Dani Stewart, Ann Pinske and me, along with our dogs, Indy, Tola and Ole respectively, participated. This opportunity wove nicely with our own personal interests to hike in the Cascades. The outdoor setting definitely supported the premise that it is important for the handlers to identify the environment that feels best for them. (See the article “Could Handlers Potentially Impact the Success of Therapy Dog Sessions?”).

We were present for the first day’s meeting when the teens and staff of the program arrived at Mt. Bachelor. The dogs were an important part of the process during introductions and expectations outlining the nine days ahead. Since the teens had just met that day, the dogs were a positive distraction during awkward moments of this first time meet-up at base camp. We alternated hiking with the group on subsequent days and joined in various activities when the teens were settled into camp for the night. Although none of us backpacked and camped out, the route to Broken Top was such that we were able to meet up on the trail most days as needed.

Leadership and organization were essential to make this first-time challenge a success. Spurred by a dedicated focus and dream of over a decade, See You at the Summit was born from the vision of founder, Heather Rose. I encourage you to visit seeyouatthesummit.org to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for her endeavor to take teens dealing with cancer into the wilderness.

Deb Wilkinson with Ole

I really appreciated my Summit experience because it showed me how valuable therapy dogs are as an ice breaker when teens are getting to know each other and opening up (ie being vulnerable). It was a great experience!

Dani Stewart

As for my experience with the Summit teens, it was very memorable, and I felt fortunate to have been a part of the group.

Ann Pinske

Three stories of heartwarming canine companions who help, comfort and inspire. Featuring therapy dog Conguita with Jennifer Horsman. Click here to read the article.

Stress among students really can be reduced by spending time with animals, according to research from the US. Click here to read the article.

Many students paused for Ole and Tola’s paws at the OSU-Cascades Pause-4-Paws event before final exams.

Ashley Barker is majoring in Health Information Technology at Central Oregon Community College. Ashley is evaluating the health benefits of therapy dog visits with residents of Ashley Manor in Madras for her Community Service Learning Project. Participating therapy dog teams were Ann with Tola, Deb with Ole, Maria with SAM, and Jerrileee with Maddie.

From therapy dogs to service animals, special pups help people in more ways than one. Hobie, a 150-pound brindle English Mastiff, lumbers slowly down the hallway of Aspen Ridge Memory Care as Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” drifts from an entertainment room filled with a dozen or so elderly residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory loss.

Read the article in Central Oregon Pets published by Source Weekly.

OSU student petting Nikki and Gunner, rescues from Three River Humane Society in Madras. Doug Poletti and Cathy Poletti are the dog’s humans aka Handlers.

A wonderful time had by all at the Boys & Girls Club East Bend during Therapy Dog Reading Day! Griffyn and his human, Jennifer Boley, are certified through TDI and mainly do hospice therapy work in Sisters, OR. Griffyn also loves being around kids, especially when they read to him. Christina Chavez, a volunteer at the B&G Club, has previous therapy work experience through the San Fransisco SPCA, and was excited to start a local program. We hope to make this a monthly event and Griffyn certainly looks forward to it!

Despite recent alarming headlines, experts cite simple precautions that therapy dog handlers can take to protect dogs and patients. Click here to read the article published in Whole Dog Journal.