Waggly-tailed mop-top brings smiles to the infirm

Registered nurse and her trained therapy dog often visit local folks facing hard medical journeys, By Heather Ann Schaefer ANDOVER — It was a typical Monday morning at Andover Subacute Center. The lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows helped to sunny-up the adjoining hallway and common area. Residents, out of their rooms using walkers and wheelchairs, traveled slowly or not at all. Staff members tread corridors, back and forth between their patients and tasks. Then, something happened. A fluffy white package of paws and kisses entered the lobby and all love broke loose. A wave of smiles and instant energy preceded the dog and his handler as residents and staff saw him coming closer. Men and women hugged and kissed the waggy-tailed visitor, shook his paws and gave him treats. Otherwise unanimated wheelchair-bound patients popped into motion, raising their eyebrows and stretching out their hands for a chance to pet him. Residents and staff members alike fell into 'Puppy Speak’, “Ooh! There you are you baby! Such a good boy! Oh, gimme kisses?” Free, unconditional affection had entered the building, and his name is Truman. Truman is a trained therapy dog. He is a two-year-old medium-sized Labradoodle owned by Patti and Nick Falgiano of Wantage. Patti, a licensed practical nurse, works with terminally ill patients through Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Her nursing career, which began 30 years ago, had been interrupted by the effects of chronic Lyme’s disease. Now, back to work part time, she brings Truman to visit patients on her days off. She decided to adopt a puppy to train for therapy after witnessing the positive effects hospice patients and their families received from dog visits at the facilities where she worked. Truman’s breed — a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle - was developed in Australia and standardized in 1989. The purpose of the cross was to create a guide dog, like a retriever, that was non-allergenic, like a poodle. The Falgianos’ research led them to the breed, known for its even temperament, as an excellent choice for their goal. Getting certified At one year of age Truman began his specialized training. He and Patti learned to become a therapy dog team through instruction from Therapy Dogs International, an organization based in Flanders. TDI has trained and certified therapy dogs teams since 1976. The strict work was accomplished over several months at the Falgiano home. When complete, Patti took Truman to be tested for certification and they been visiting patients together since May of 2010. Making friends “Truman is a very loving dog,” she said. “People always say he looks like he’s smiling.” Truman accompanies Falgiano to patients’ homes, and to many local nursing homes including Andover Subacute & Rehabilitation Center, Lopatcong Center Nursing Home, in Phillipsburg, and Newton’s Bristol Glen. “Visits from animals always have a wonderful effect for patients and staff,” said Pat Moran, Nursing Supervisor at Andover Subacute. Falgiano knows that sometimes the effect is as simple as a smile for one immobilized gentleman, “Truman’s paw on his chest just lights up his face.” “I always ask permission before bringing him close to someone,” said Falgiano, “Terminal illness is a very personal journey and we make sure to respect everyone’s privacy.” This part of Truman’s training is apparent as he waits to be invited to place his paws on someone’s knees or hands. He is patient, calm and obedient and gives kisses when prompted. He appears contented, dignified and professional when people gather around to hug him and pet his curly fur — a best friend with four legs who loves each person behind their illness and brings to them a moment of unconditional joy. As of 2009, there were over 21,000 dog and handler teams registered with Therapy Dogs International throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about this volunteer organization and about how dogs are evaluated and trained, visit www.tdi-dog.org