Photo courtesy of: East Central Therapy Dogs
Close to 25 years after being established as the first therapy dog organization in Canada, East Central Therapy Dogs continues to bring the gift of dogs’ unconditional love to seniors, PRHC patients and hospice clients throughout the region.
In 1992, Jim Newell promoted the therapy dog concept to St. John Ambulance, who allowed the organization to form under its umbrella. At present, 56 dogs and their owners make weekly visits to long-term care residences, retirement homes, PRHC, Hospice Peterborough and VON day centres. Each dog is temperament-tested prior to acceptance into the program and is subject to a strict set of standards.
Brian Aubrey has been involved since day one, and has brought seven dogs into the program. He’s currently the program’s chief dog evaluator.
East Central Therapy Dogs board president Cindy Lukawesky-Dowdle and her chocolate lab Bentley made numerous visits over a year-and-a-half period.
To listen to our complete chat with Brian Aubrey and Cindy Lukawesky-Dowdle, click the link below:
