Dear Listers,
I've been a member of this list since well before finding Remy (my
19-month-old CKCS) and since I'm "just" a pet-owner I spend most of my time
in lurkdom, but have to come out for this one. I am a psychotherapist, and
Remy is at my side in every session. This is a longstanding tradition; he
adapted beautifully to following in the pawprints of Augie (a Bichon), who
worked at my side for 15-1/2 years. I have been a member of Delta Society
for many years and support their innovations in the uses of animals as
partners in therapeutic settings.
I have never heard of IMPACT and am not in a position to offer informed
comment on their work (which sounds like it has barely begun). However, I
strongly second the responses posted by Susan Schlenger and Jo Ann Carvill.
Marilyn Mayfield raises an important point too, although I add that even if
IMPACT does have a non-profit federal ID number, it is chilling to read
Delong's request for "donation" of a puppy. "Donations" appropriately refer
to non-living things: money, clothing, and non-perishable goods - NEVER,
EVER to living creatures (regardless of species) who need a bond with
someone devoted to providing consistent care and tons of love.
At best, Delong is well-intentioned but na�ve (as well as worrisomely
ignorant of what Cavalier-or-other-dog-ownership should entail). At worst
(call me cynical), it could be a very creative scheme to acquire one or more
Cavaliers. (The price someone pays, or doesn't pay, for their Cavalier is
immaterial to me, as long as that Cavalier is assured of a loving and
consistent mommy or daddy, which Delong's email fails to imply.)
I hope that no one on this list encourages Delong's attempts. If she
*genuinely and ethically* wishes to incorporate the benefits of Cavaliers
as therapy dogs in a hospice setting, she should be urged to contact the
Delta Society as well as other organizations, whose members are *first and
foremost* devoted to the wellbeing of their dogs. I will email her and say
so; I hope others will do so too.
Best regards,
Alida Margolin
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