FURRY THERAPISTS - HEAL, ROVER

After making their own recovery, dogs help hospitalized children

Art Lander Jr., Herald-Leader Staff Writer

They are amputee dogs that bring happiness into the lives of critically ill and disabled children.
Twice a month, Forrest, a boxer mix, and Gunner, a pit bull, are among a group of dogs that visit patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
"The kids connect with the dogs. They can relate to what they've been through," said Clint Bevins, the Frankfort veterinarian who saved the two dogs from euthanasia by surgically removing a leg from each.

Parents of the children in the hospital recognize the therapeutic value of the dogs, too". "It's the power of touch and affection, the unconditional love," said Jamie Rushing, of Lexington, whose son is in the hospital for surgery. "It's great to have the dogs here."

Veterinarian assistant Melanie Aitken is at the center of this story, which revolves around a vet who cares and compassionate people who donate time and money to rescue and rehabilitate injured and abused animals. Dog trainers at K9 PawsAbilities Unleashed in Frankfort certified the dogs as therapists, sending them off to a new life in public service and the healing power of a friendly lick and wag of the tail. I knew I had to find a home for Forrest," Aitken said. "He had been abandoned by his owner. He was a puppy, and I felt bad for him."

Forrest had been hit by a car. Bevins said the inspiration for his new name came from the scene in the movie Forrest Gump when the title character is urged, "Run, Forrest, run!"

Gunner was left for dead after being shot through the chest; the bullet shattered a bone in his front leg. "He had a rough surgery, lost a lot of blood. He was in shock," Bevins said.
Aitkin nursed Gunner back to health, sleeping on a cot for two nights in Bevins' office. "He couldn't be moved and had to be watched 24 hours a day."

The surgery and related bills were paid with money raised by Holly's Place , in Lawrenceburg, which Aitken said "rescues dogs off Death Row, dogs that are considered unadoptable."
Aitken found each dog a home with a family, and instructor Liz Norris trained them. "It's six weeks of intensive command obedience and behavior modification," Norris said. "They learn good manners and not to panic when they're around strange smells, loud noises, walkers or wheelchairs. And food refusal, so they won't grab at food."

Norris also taught the dogs tricks. "They can take a bow, or pretend to be praying," she said.
"They're both very sweet dogs. When Forrest sees those kids, his whole body starts wiggling," Aitken said. "Gunner has a great big head and tries to lick everybody in the face."

"I like the pit bull," said patient Larry Stewart, 19, who lives in Ohio County. "I have a pit bull/boxer mix myself. My dog wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Pit bulls are one of the most intelligent breeds," Norris said. "This is the correct temperament you're seeing here."

The dogs are unleashed and are allowed to walk around the hospital recreation room. They climb up on children's beds and sit beside their wheelchairs.
"It's been proven that petting and playing with dogs decreases a human's blood pressure," said Tommie Whitaker, a recreational therapist at Shriners Hospital on Richmond Road.
"The kids look forward to spending time with the dogs. "They ask, 'When are they coming?' and if the visit has to be canceled because of inclement weather, they cry. Having the dogs here really lifts their spirits."

Josh Emerson, 19, of Lexington, said he enjoys seeing the dogs. One of his favorites is Shelby, a American Eskimo mix, that Aitken brings along when she comes to the hospital. "I have a white bichon at home," Emerson said.
It's a social time in a group setting, away from school, physical therapy and appointments with doctors. Almost like being at home, romping with the dogs in the den.
"I love dogs," said Sabrina Helton, 19, of Prestonsburg, who had surgery at the hospital. "They make me feel comfortable."