An Evening with POGO
March 20th, 2008 by kurtWritten by Judy MacKenzie
The Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Hospital in Portland is a very special place. This center is a 24/7 care facility for children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs. The staff at Providence is intent on providing a loving, caring atmosphere with particular emphasis on encouraging the Human Spirit of each child. All manners of therapies are preformed here, including physical, mental, educational, and Pet Partners visits.
I was invited to meet with Pet Partner, Deborah Wood and her three Papillions before our visit to The Center. All the Papillions are sunbursts of energy, as is Deborah, but I quickly realized that Pogo is a shining star. He has previously earned his Utility Dog title in competitive obedience and has retired to work more often in the Delta Society Pet Partners program.
Deborah shares that Pogo is as excited and thrilled about his Pet Partners work as he was about competition. As we approach Providence Hospital Pogo whines and cries with excitement at what he is about to do. I watch carefully as he is leashed and we walk through the hospital doors as this bouncing, animated, exceedingly happy little dog changes into a serene and spiritual health care professional in the blink of an eye. He and Deborah are greeted warmly by staff while some of the children make noises upon seeing him.
The hospital staff worked with Deborah to pick out the children that would benefit most from Pogo’s regular visits. One of his favorites is a beautiful 17 year old girl named Shayna. Pogo immediately sits on her lap and cozies in. Shayna has been quiet and staring at the ceiling, but quickly breaks a smile as Pogo begins to massage her tightly curled hands by kissing them over and over again. Shayna’s tense little body begins to relax and she sits straighter in her chair. Soon we hear sounds of joy and laughter and this beautiful girl is beaming. Pogo knows when his job is complete with Shayna and he tells ! Deborah by touching her with his paws. He is ready to go on to his next child.
In all, we spend time with 6 children during the few hours we are there. Each experience is a duplicate of the first I witnessed, until Pogo works with his last child. Pogo must take a new approach with this little girl as she is uncomfortable and seems frightened. As Pogo sits on the end of her bed he accomplishes his purpose by using Deborah as a conduit for his energy, kissing her hand as she touches this little girl’s twisted arm. By the time he is finished she is totally relaxed and smiling. Pogo is curled up next to her chest, quietly sitting until he is comfortable that she is in a more serene space. Only then does he let Deborah know his job is finished.
As Pogo completes his work with the children there is much acclaim over him. He calmly walks out the doors, showing confidence in the job he has done, and once again becomes the sunburst of energy. I have been privileged to witness a Delta Society Pet Partners miracle worker!
If you found this article inspirational and would like to learn more about the healing power of pets, or how you can participate in Delta Society in you area, go to: www.deltasociety.org - The Human Animal Health Connection.
**Delta Society’s Mission: Improving Human Health through Service and Therapy Animals
Tags: center for medically fragile children, children with disabilities, Delta Society Pet Partners, oregon, Pet Partners, portland, providence hospital
