Thanks to Jim, a longtime Sunshine Therapy Dogs volunteer and his dog, Ritter, for sharing their recent experience!
Tuesday morning brought brisk weather and two Sunshine Therapy visits for Doberman pup Ritter and I. We began the morning at Ontario Public Service then navigated through Toronto’s traffic to reach Marshal McLuhan Catholic Secondary School. The day was filled with warmth, appreciation, and impactful moments where people came together to help one another.
The Morning Visit: Ontario Public Service
We were greeted by over 100 enthusiastic individuals during our first visit at Ontario Public Service. The event, meticulously orchestrated, took place in the auditorium, with additional staff joining virtually. The session commenced with a Ministry presentation which outlined the positive effects dog therapy can have on mental and emotional health.
Following the presentation, our volunteers (people and puppies) introduced themselves. To our pleasant surprise, large posters of our furry friends had been created and displayed in separate rooms where everyone could meet the dogs afterwards. This thoughtful gesture made the experience even more special, showcasing the organization’s effort to make us feel welcome.
The Afternoon Visit: Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School
Our afternoon visit took us to Marshal McLuhan High School, where we were greeted by dozens of excited staff and students. First, we met with peer ministry students. This was followed by special needs classes which were chaperoned by peer students who volunteer their time to assist with daily activities in the group. This peer support added a heartwarming dimension to the visit. Each of us was gifted a special mug and hot chocolate, a token of appreciation that delighted everyone. We left the school with a sense of fulfillment and joy, eager to return in the future.
Reflections and Conclusions
Ritter, our faithful therapy dog, relished all the pats and cuddles throughout the day. By the time we returned home, he was thoroughly exhausted and ready for a well-deserved rest. Skipping his usual after-dinner walk, Ritter went straight to bed, where I tucked him in with his favourite monkey and wished him a good night.
This day of visits underscored the power of human-animal connections and the positive impact they can have on individuals, communities and doggies too. We look forward to many more such enriching experiences with our Sunshine Therapy friends.
These types of experiences are happening in all of our active regions: Toronto, Durham, Peel, Halton, York, Hamilton-Niagara and will be happening soon in Peterborough, Barrie, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and London!
