|  As many people know, a pet can be a means of sanctuary and refuge for life's difficulties. Our team at CORE has recognized for years that animal assisted therapy supports all residents in their physical and social rehabilitation because people often respond to animals in ways they never would to humans. Recent studies report that animals help people combat loneliness, depression, inactivity and stress because they provide unconditional affection, a perspective on life, a feeling of being needed and simple amusement. Animals help teach empathy and responsibility, boost physical activity and benefit a wide variety of people with special needs.
 A sampling of the animals involved in animal assisted therapy that offer friendship, responsibility, and meaningful activity to residents include:
Bucky (black Barbado sheep)
Taco (goat)
Opie (retired show goat)
Jackson (minature horse)
Nicholas (minature horse)
DJ (Cedar Point's cat)
Sadie (Cedar's rescued Border Collie)
Oreo (Oak Point's cat)
Due to their relatively short life spans, pets also teach humans about one of life's more difficult realities. Dog Camp, a local pet boarding and grooming organization in Driftwood, Texas, has a strong relationship with CORE and its residents. This relationship has allowed our residents the opportunity to spend scheduled time at their facility caring for, playing with and assisting in the care of resident animals. Not only does this relationship with Dog Camp benefit our residents who volunteer there but those who are unable to volunteer as well.
 In August of 2004, because of our standing relationship, we received a call from the owners of Dog Camp informing us they recently found a yellow Labrador running down the road with no identifiable tags. For weeks, Dog Camp made several attempts to find this dog's rightful owner, posting fliers and contacting local veterinary clinics, but with no success. Dog Camp named this lab Sawyer and estimated her to be 10 years old. They noticed she was a loving dog who seemed to love people and asked if we would like to meet and possibly adopt her. When we met Sawyer, we instantly fell in love knowing she would be a good fit in our home and that our residents would be proud to have her. Sawyer was adopted by CORE and returned to campus to meet her new friends.
It took very little time for Sawyer to feel at home and our residents welcomed her with open arms. Over the next two years, she became an important part of our family. Everyone loved seeing her walk around the house bidding for love and giving it as well.
In May 2006, during a routine visit to the vet, Sawyer was diagnosed with advanced cancer of her front left leg. After a second opinion at the Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital, it was determined that amputation of Sawyer's paw and several months of chemotherapy would be essential in the preservation of her life. Knowing the importance and impact Sawyer had in our residents' lives, the Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital generously completed the procedures at no additional cost to CORE.
Sawyer's operation was initially a success. She came home to CORE and quickly adjusted to life with only three legs. The residents were delighted and for the next few months, Sawyer grew stronger and stronger. She was still the same loveable lab that had come into our lives just two years previously.
Sawyer enjoyed an excellent quality of life for five months after her surgery.
Sadly, though, on November 2, 2006, CORE staff took Sawyer to the vet after noticing a significant decrease in her appetite and a lack of interaction with people. The next day, following a thorough examination and x-rays, the vet determined that Sawyer's cancer had returned and spread throughout her body. There was nothing more that could be done for her. With a heavy heart, the decision was made to put Sawyer down. CORE residents and staff went to the vet's office to say their final goodbyes.
Sawyer was cremated. Residents and staff alike were devastated by her loss but are buoyed by the many memories of happy times shared with their good friend. The residents saved Sawyer's bandana and have displayed it with a group photo for all to see.
CORE residents and staff extend heartfelt thanks to Drs. Theisen and Beardsley with the Central Texas Specialty Veterinary Hospital for their kindness and superb veterinary care. |
