Four-legged friends

Local dogs provide comfort to nursing homes and hospitals

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Cody, a 4 1/2-year-old small mix Bernese Mountain dog, is used to a lot of attention. There's always someone waiting for him to visit, to pet him or to watch him do tricks.

He is one of Las Vegas' 150 K-9 therapists and he visits hospitals and assisted living centers every week.

"Now when we walk in the park he expects everyone to pet him," said his owner Patty Martin, who also volunteers.

Less than two years ago Cody was rescued from the Humane Society by Martin and her husband, Steve. After they taught him to sit, stay, roll over and shake hands, Martin said she thought it would be great to share him with others.

The dogs and handlers that work with K-9 Therapists of Las Vegas are selected by the group's testers and observers using criteria that considers temperament and a willingness to participate.

Cody went through the group's training and two-part test, which includes basic dog obedience and manners and observations under the guidance of a an observer.

Sandi Jo Lawless, a tester/observer with the group, said K-9 Therapists is looking for dogs to follow commands such as "sit," "stay," "come" and "down." Trainers also watch to see if a dog doesn't pull on a leash and has a manageable temperament.

Dogs must be one year old to take the tests.

"They have to like to be touched," Lawless said.

After being approved, volunteers are insured through several national organizations such as Therapy Dogs Incorporated, Therapy Dogs International and the Delta Society for Liability.

Volunteers and their dogs visit with children and adults in activity rooms or private rooms at hospitals and assisted living centers.

"It puts smiles on people's faces," said Lawless, who has three dogs she brings to six local facilities every week.

The dogs also can take on a more interactive role in a patient's therapy. They can be used to help with balance and people can reach out to pet them or to grab a ball from them.

"(The dogs) help with people's whole attitudes," said Carol Stablein, an occupational therapy assistant at the Heights of Summerlin, a health care and rehabilitation center. "They just feel better from seeing live animals in here."

As the dogs walk through the halls of the center, it's obvious the patients are not the only ones excited about spending time with them.

"It's good therapy for us, too," said Stablein.

Many dogs, like Lawless' Shih Tzu, Bailey, are lap dogs. The dogs will sit on a lap or a bed while getting petted, giving the patient time to talk with the volunteers.

"For a lot of people it's not all about the dog," Lawless said. "Some people are lonely and they just want to have someone to talk to."

Ruth Fisher, 92, a resident of the Heights of Summerlin, said she had dogs her entire life and loves to have the company.

The therapists also will visit schools and other places when special requests are made. Martin and Cody have visited the children in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Program at Cram Middle School in North Las Vegas.

Martin said the children in schools and hospitals really love getting a visit from dogs.

The hospital requires more training after dogs and volunteers pass the tests because of safety and regulations.

For more information on the program, call 228-4128 or visit www.lvk9.com. The next test to become a K-9 Therapist is set for March 25.