Binghamton University PetNet program allows people with special needs to spend valuable time with a pet.

The idea for a program that would pair elderly people with pets seemed like a simple one. "Researchers are finding that pets truly have beneficial effects on people, especially the elderly," says Dr. Joyce Ferrario. "The most serious disease for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness. Pet therapy is a wonderful and natural way to heal and help."

But years passed without much progress until two years ago the Elder Services Center, led by Ferrario, developed a new program for gerontological care, which involved Animal Assisted Therapuetic Visits. BU PetNet was born, created by the Casella Alzheimer's Education Center, with the generously endorsed gift from the Helen Thomas Howland Foundation.

Communicating with pets through touch and nurturing provides a sense of relaxation and well-being for the patient, who may otherwise prefer isolation amongst people. The PetNet program allows senior citizens and people with special needs to spend valuable time with a pet. The program works by bringing pets into the patient's home, nursing home or a facility for people with special needs, who may otherwise never have the opportunity to share that loving bond with a pet. The sense of responsibility and care that is developed in the patient while being with a pet alleviates their loneliness and/or lack of motivation.

Volunteer dogs are trained in an 8-hour course over a period of three weeks. Under the supervision of their owners, certified trainer, Sharon Korncavage teaches the dogs to the responsibilities of visiting an elderly person or someone with special needs. The in-depth training also involves interaction with wheelchair bound people in a pseudo nursing home setting. The dogs are taught to maintain the safety of the patient as well as to ensure their own safety as well.

Not only is Sharon Korncavage the trainer, she is also a Golden Retriever Breeder and President of the Golden Retriever Rescue Club as well. In addition, PetNet dogs and owners join with the Golden Retriever group once a month and visit nursing homes and special needs facilities. The relationship benefits both groups not only with the support and camaraderie but with insurance as well. The training culminates when the animal earns the American Kennel Club Certification as a Canine Good Citizen.

"Pets have a way of relaxing and calming you," said Ferarrio. "They can take the human mind off loneliness, grief, pain, and fear and provide a sense of well being for a patient who may otherwise feel isolated. I've seen first hand the joy Keegan can bring to the young and the old. I'm hoping that through PetNet, we can encourage more pet owners to get involved." Ferrario adds that pets can be an icebreaker for human socialization as well.

"People not only benefit from interacting with the pet but can also have meaningful human interaction with the handler," said Ferrario. "It is a win-win situation."

According to Ferrario many dogs can be trained for therapeutic visiting. However a good four-legged candidate for the program would enjoy interacting with people and be comfortable in new environments. Dogs should have completed at least a basic obedience course before beginning to learn some of the new skills of visiting and they also need proof of rabies vaccinations.

Through PetNet, you can also become a part of this community based program either as a senior citizen or person with special needs who wants a pet to visit on a regular basis, or as an owner of a pet who would like to volunteer their pet to be trained for this community service program in the Southern Tier.

If you are interested in having a pet come visit you, or to volunteer your pet for training, e-mail Dr. Joyce Ferrario at jferrari@binghamton.edu. Trainings are held each semester.

Directors of Facilities: If you would like to help us organize group visits to your facility, or if you would like more information on any aspect of this program, visit the Elder Services Center page.


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