Dogs Stole The Show--Press Release in Newspaper

The Dogs Stole The Show

On Christmas Eve, the Pet Therapy Team of Owosso, put on two trick presentations for local patients. Lisa Freeman and her two dogs, Snickers and Baby Ruth put a short program they called, Twas The Day Before Christmas. The first skit was held at Memorial Healthcare for patients in the extended care unit. And the second presentation took place at Pleasant View Medical Care Facility for the elderly.

Lisa talked about various forms of abuse and violence through poetry, stories, and real life encounters. Baby Ruth even came out dressed in her black and white prisoner costume. “I use her to demonstrate a bully or abuser,” Lisa says. “She’s truly the bully of our house.” A few minutes later, Lisa holds up a picture of Baby in a pretty pink princess costume. “But I explain that even though she’s bad sometimes and acts mean, that in my eyes she’s a princess, and I still love her and will work even harder to train her.”

Later, Baby and Snickers came out in their Santa suits. “As I explain how to get safe in a violent or abusive situation, the dogs put on a variety of tricks.” All the patients cheered and clapped as the pooches performed. On command Snickers gave “five”, sat, crawled, spoke, laid down, sat pretty, rolled over, and even jumped through a hoop. While Baby is still learning, she ended off with a cute little dance routine. “The dogs definitely stole the show,” Lisa says. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The team ended off by doing what they do best—Pet Therapy. While Lisa passed out Christmas cards, candy canes, and a warm hug to patients, Snickers and Baby gave kisses and let everyone pet them.

“So many people came up and thanked us,” Lisa said. “But I explained that we’re the ones who are truly blessed, because we get to give a smile to so many people who may be lonely, sick, or sad.” See actual article with pictures @ www.abusebites.com.

Lisa and Snickers feel sad sometimes too, because there aren’t enough people in the community doing Pet Therapy. “Sometimes we’re so busy doing workshops,” Lisa says, “I can’t always get to the hospital or nursing home.” That’s why in January they are offering a Pet Therapy Class to anyone over the age of 12 who’s interested. Students will learn the tricks to getting their dog certified. “There are definitely some tricks you must know,” Lisa says. “Snickers passed the test after working with him for only 10 days. But there were other dogs there that were being professionally trained for months that didn’t even pass.”

Email Classes will begin in February 2008. For more information, please contact Lisa Freeman @ lisafreeman1@charter.net.