Published: March 04, 2007 08:52 pm      

The Extra Milers: A dog named Sunny

She knows she is a star, as she walks into the room with a poise and confidence that few others possess. However, there was no envy toward her head-turning ability, only admiration.

She knew that everyone was there to see her … touch her … to show their love and to feel that love returned. She didn’t let them down — not for a minute.

Sunny, a gentle, sad-eyed yellow Labrador Retriever Therapy Dog, walked into the room with her best friend — and driver — Vicki Slider, to entertain the residents of Sellersburg Health and Rehab Centre, as she does a couple of times each month.

Sunny — who doesn’t hide the fact that she has a thing for people who are in wheelchairs or who spend considerable time in a bed — immediately took control of the crowd; some 20 anxious faces that brightened the minute she came through the door. With Vicki by her side, Sunny immediately began visiting her friends, making sure to happily greet each person in the room.

Vicki watched closely to ensure everyone was able to be up close and personal with Sunny while each person’s territory or comfort level was respected. However, after eight years on the job, Sunny has a natural instinct for who wants to pat her head, who wants to have her paws gently placed in their laps or who wants to give her a hug and hold her face in their hands. Because of her star status, Sunny has also graciously learned to accept kisses from some of her adoring fans.

The Centre’s Director of Activities Shane Patterson noted, “Vicki and Sunny’s visits promote an increase in our resident’s functional skills, social skills and coping skills. Their visits allow us to implement sensory re-education to each of our residents in a manner not recognized as clinical.

“Vicki’s warm smile and Sunny’s wagging tail allows each individual to feel accepted and appreciated regardless of their decline in physical abilities.”

Sunny and Vicki are extremely patient. Sunny visits everyone who comes to visit with her at least four times individually before she is ready to move on to another part of the Centre. I walked with the Extra Miler team to “Memory Row,” where many of the Alzheimer’s patients reside.

As Sunny and Vicki walk from room to room, Vicki indicated she is especially proud of the response Sunny gets from the patients who spend most of their time in beds.

“Sunny is trained to even get into the patient’s bed if it is the only way someone can enjoy her company. She is extremely gentle.”

One afternoon a resident took Sunny’s leash and started to walk to her room, advising that they were tired and going to bed. Vicki followed and watching as the resident climbed into her bed and then patted the bed for Sunny to join her. Sunny gently climbed into the bed next to her and laid her head on the woman’s chest. The two of them closed their eyes and went to sleep. Vicki sat next to them quietly until dark; knowing this was what her dog was meant to do … to give comfort and to soothe their pain.

Sunny was trained to be a Therapy Dog when she was 2 years old. A friend from Vicki’s church told her this work would be a perfect mix for her love of animals and older adults. Sunny was a natural with her good nature and Labrador charm.

Therapy Dogs are encouraged to retire between 10 and 12 years of age. Sunny is nearly 11 years old. Vicki provided this fact with tears in her eyes. It is evident to Vicki that Sunny has been a little slower the past few months and isn’t quite as enthusiastic about leaving the house.

Vicki adds, “Still, Sunny perks up as soon as she catches sight of the first wheelchair. This tells me she isn’t ready to retire.”

There is something about a pet that touches our hearts — possibly because they are so trusting while simultaneously demonstrating unconditional love. As I watched Sunny move about from person to person, I could see, if just for a few minutes, the residents of Sellersburg Health and Rehab Centre being transported back to a place where they had their own pets back in their arms … and they were the stars.

Because Vicki Slider and Sunny continue to bring such joy to so many people in Southern Indiana, we thank them for being our Extra Milers.

Kindness Tip of the Month: Vicki tells me there is a tremendous need for more Therapy Dogs in our area. Do you have a friendly dog? Possibly your pup could be a Therapy Dog. As a volunteer, you can take your dog to visit schools, hospitals and nursing homes. The dogs are put through an evaluation and if the dog qualifies, they are trained and certified as Therapy Dogs. If this interests you, contact Therapy Dogs Inc. at their main office: 877-843-7364 or 307-432-0272 (Web site: therapydogsinc@gwest .net).

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and President of EEO GUIDANCE Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, let us know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.