Supporting Our Troops with Animal-Assisted Therapy

A sweet story from one of our Animal-Assisted Therapy volunteers

Boise Giuseppe, my wonderful 5 year old Schnoodle, and I have been volunteering with the SF/SPCA Animal-Assisted Therapy Program since Fall 2008. We regularly visit the VA Hospital's Psych Intensive Care Unit. My grandfather, who lives in Los Angeles, is a World War II veteran and we feel very honored to spend time with other veterans on a regular basis since we don't get to spend as much time with him as we would like.

Although every visit is enjoyable, last week's visit was especially fun. Boise and I were outside on the patio with a few of the patients. The nurse brought out one of the patients, "Jim," who is particularly challenged. Jim is an older gentleman who does not generally speak. Jim also tends to have his tongue out most of the time. Jim was very eager to hold Boise so I helped him hold up Boise's solid 20 pound frame. It was very easy to see the love between Jim and Boise. Because Boise is a chronic kisser, he could not resist laying a big, juicy lick right on Jim's tongue. There were laughs all around and Jim was as happy as we had ever seen him. We are looking forward to our next visit so the love affair can continue.

Bonnie Miluso
Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteer

To support the SF/SPCA’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Program, click here.