Therapy dogs unleash joy in Las Cruces

Local volunteer Charlene Curry and other members of Therapaws have found a great way to keep their dogs active while also contributing to community members’ health: through hour-long therapy sessions at retirement homes, hospice and some Las Cruces schools. 

According to Curry, Therapaws was established in 1992 by a group of people who were all members of a group known at the time as the Dog Obedience Club.

“They became affiliated with Therapy Dogs, Inc. just two years after that organization was formed,” said Curry.

Therapy Dogs later became the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry of therapy dogs based in Wyoming, and through which most of the members of Therapaws are registered.  

“We travel to a bunch of different schools and, of course, hospice, to help wherever we may be needed. We have even volunteered at the federal courthouse and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine,” she said. “The main purpose is to help those who need therapy and just brighten their day.” 

Curry added that although they love to contribute to residents’ wellbeing, it can be difficult with so few volunteers.

“We went from having about 40 members to only having about 14 now. Even with those 14, sometimes we only have about eight that can contribute time, as others may have prior obligations.”

Volunteers fluctuate because many are college students who tend to move away or have pets that pass away. Curry said many of the older volunteers have the time but just may not have the means of transportation.

Curry is not the only person who wants to see an increase in volunteers as many employees and patients want to be introduced to new furry faces.

Lisa Masterson, billing specialist with Mesilla Valley Hospice, said all people have to do is bring their pooch and they do all the work.

“When I hear the jingle of their tags coming down the hallway, it’s just a perfect break,” she said. “The dogs are so calm, you know you can pet them, you can hug them, and they won’t pull away or snarl. I wish more places would allow pets or dogs.”

Masterson added that people feel an “emotional change,” an immediate feeling of dopamine that brings reassurance and warmth to people that may be feeling alone or sad.

Two of the dogs that currently volunteer at the Mesilla Valley Hospice belong to Curry. One of them happens to be Masterson’s favorite volunteer: Trek, a male Ridgeback, the size of a Great Dane, welcomes everyone. Masterson said that Trek is the perfect size to cuddle and wrap your arms around to give you a sense of comfort. She said when Trek comes to visit, it builds anticipation and keeps people going.

“They say pets can help you live longer, and for people out here alone that don’t have family or a lot of visitors, it can be exciting because say ‘oh, Trek is visiting this Thursday,’ and their moods change as if a family member were visiting,” Masterson said. 

Although the dogs are the star of the meetings, Masterson added that it takes a lot of work by the handlers to provide this service.

Among the requirements for volunteers is keeping their dogs current on their shots and maintaining the right temperament.

Part of the dogs’ training, prior to becoming therapy certified, is to be sure they can also work well around other pooches.

One friend of Trek, known as Ryder, has had his fair share of temperament training as his excitement may get the best of him.

Handler and longtime Therapaws member Don Toomey said Ryder was a shelter pup when he got him. He first began a bit skittish but, in time, Toomey said Ryder became one of the best therapy dogs in the association, helping in courtroom settings.

“When they asked me to bring my dog to divorce trials in New Mexico, unlike most states, kids testify in public regarding their parents there, and so Ryder came to help the kids,” Toomey said with a sense of accomplishment. “The kids were much calmer, and I was sold on this program from that point on. It’s just great.”

Funnily enough, Masterson added that as Toomey and Curry handle the pooches, people may forget their human companions exist. “I feel bad sometimes because I gush over the dog, but I forget the owner is standing there,” Masterson chuckled. “But just having the dog walk into a room and see the expression on people’s faces change, volunteering to do that, to me would be such a good thing. You just bring the dog, and the dog does the rest.”  

Want to volunteer? Don’t ‘paws,’ here’s how

Potential volunteers are asked to join one of the visits without their pet in order to determine if this is something for both the owner and dog to enjoy.

The dog must be at least a year old. The handlers can be as young as 16 (if accompanied by a parent or guardian) and there is no maximum age limit.

Each dog is observed alongside their owner for at least three visits to monitor how the dogs interact with people and dogs. Each of the visits are an hour long and there is a minimum of four visits per year for participants to stay up to date with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Therapaws is insured by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, so handlers do not need to worry about getting their own insurance.

Each dog is required to have a clear canine fecal test and a signed health form from a veterinarian.

Handlers must undergo a background check that can be purchased through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs for $20 with a one-time new member fee of $15. Each additional dog is $10 per year.

“Please note that this certification is not certification for a service dog. Service dogs are defined as animals who assist one person with their specific needs. Therapy dogs do not receive the same acceptance into restaurants, stores, airplanes, etc.,” Curry said. “Their job is simply to bring joy and smiles to people who benefit being with a well-behaved dog.”

People can contact Curry for more details on Therapaws or how to volunteer at 575-642-2259 or at charlenecurry@gmail.com.