Hi👋from Red Deer, Alta. We’ve always had at least one or two dogs in our home…over 50 years. We are dog crazy people. Our three sons and partners continue the trend as grown ups on their own. When our youngest son turned 15 he was diagnosed with severe double spinal curves ( rotary scoliosis ) after a couple years living in an Milwaukee brace, surgery was the only option. Our son also lived with Osteogenesis imperfecta since diagnosed as an infant. He had several fractures over the years which healed normally. The growth spurt at puberty was too much stress on the spine, hence the collapse. The stress of waiting for surgery and the terrible risks at the time took its toll on everyone. We had a lovely female German shepherd, but thought a small puppy with all the attention they need, would be a good distraction for our son. We adopted a cute Scotch terrier cross puppy which proved to be a good decision. He kept our son busy with its training, and care and was literally his dog. After surgery ( 11 hours) which proved to be rather unsuccessful ( the long rod broke after a couple weeks and another surgery was required to remove same ) our sons recovery was long and painful. Also discouraging and depressing for all the family, as his spice had collapsed back to its former curves. The puppy proved to be a great therapy for our son and was his best friend for many years till ” Scotty’s” passing 12 years later. He was then replaced with a Jack Russel who needed even more exercise and attention. We as empty nesters, have since owned two white Westies. Still have the one who gets us up and about and out for required walks daily. So the therapy continues.
-- a reader
Here is my Abigail. She is a 4 month old Lhasa Apso. Her name in Hebrew means, “brings joy”. She lives up to her name and gives me purpose each day. She is just what the doctor ordered.
She is in her ‘land shark” phase and walking across the floor can be dangerous, but this too shall pass as she grows.
-- a reader
Hudli and Max
-- a reader
I well remember my grandmother being prescribed a Guinness a day by her family doctor to encourage well being and appetite in her older years as she slid into Alzheimer’s. This was back in the UK and would have been in the 1950’s.
I also remember my terminally-ill adoptive mother being allowed to have a last visit with her dog through the hospital window… they hadn’t quite got to the point of having pet therapy dogs but at least she got to see her Labrador dog before I air lifted him to Canada for him to go on to live another eight years dying at the age of 16.
I have followed your column since the 1970’s when I was a landed immigrant living in Kitchener-Waterloo. In fact I have a Living Will based on one you published many years ago.
Dr. Gifford-Jones, you have always spoken in a no nonsense way to encourage a healthy lifestyle for which I am extremely grateful.
-- a reader
This is my Angel, aged 12 this spring. I’ve had her since she was 10 weeks old. It was the best purchase I ever made . She is my life, she goes every where with me shopping, banking and of course a walk every day rain or shine. She patiently waits in the car while I shop and fortunately I have an open roof in my car so she gets plenty of air. I cook for her every day, she gets 1/2 cup of kibble a day but the rest is healthy veggies and meat & a grain. I don’t trust dog food. She is very healthy, has her own teeth. A little arthritis in her hind legs so I built her a ramp to get in the car. She is very protective of me and loves me as much as I love her I’m sure. I am 88 and my friends all agree she is what keep me going. She won two beauty contests when she was younger. Also passed as a therapy dog.
-- a reader
Love your article on pet therapy. We have always had pets in our lives and always will. Mocha is a 2 ½ year old wire-haired pointing griffon. He is a real cuddler and brings lots of joy to our hearts every day. My husband Kim and I feel very blessed to have him in our lives. Please find attached 2 pictures of this bundle of joy. Hope these pics capture the essence of who he is and the gifts he offers to enhance our quality of our lives.
-- a reader
I am posting some photos of my beloved Regan who just crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was the most amazing therapy dog who visited the Walker Family Cancer Centre, Hospice Niagara, Brock University and Ridley College.
She came into my life just before my son died and I now know why. She helped me through the grief of losing him and got us right back into training and eventually became a certified therapy dog.
For the last eight years she has been bringing joy to those we visited. I truly believe that they help to keep us happy and healthy well into our senior years.
-- a reader
All 3 of my dogs are therapy dogs. They visit nursing homes (Eventide every week), schools, special needs groups.
-- a reader
Here is my dog. Takes me for a one mile walk daily. Lowers my blood pressure, my weight and my cholesterol!
-- a reader
Yes…pets give us longevity. My mother lived to 94 and had 2 Shih Tzus. Good for her, but bad for my husband who had to clean up after them. It was trying, to say the least. But I have a small lovebird and he’s enough for me. Keeps me alert and he’s no worries. I don’t know how long they live, but he’s close to ten now and the cost to feed him is minimal.
-- a reader
My friend Vivian (83 & going strong) and her beloved ferret Pepito(Pepe). What a fantastic little buddy he is, so comforting for her.
-- a reader
How could my little Goobers not make anyone feel better!? My self-described ‘therapy pet’ brings joy even her name makes people laugh named for the black ‘goober’ on her nose! lol
-- a reader
Baron. Adopted 5 year old Golden Retriever. He melts our hearts with those eyes❤️
-- a reader
Here is my Buddy!!! His unconditional love always makes me feel better ❤️❤️🐶🐶
-- a reader
Our own pet who gives us all the love and joy a pet can give. Along with being very verbal about what he wants.
-- a reader
Only three of these lovely Goldens are mine although one of them did have the litter on the bench. I am not a breeder but love Goldens.
They like family and very loyal. I walk them every day at the off leash park, rain, shine or bitter cold we are out there.They are my lifeblood and bring me much joy and unconditional love. And lots of exercise.
