TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Travis chapter of Paws for Healing, Inc., has received a $3,000 grant from the Dey Solano Giving Fund of the Solano Community Foundation for David Grant USAF Medical Center’s Canine Assisted Therapy program.
“We are delighted to enclose our grant … to be used for PFH’s Travis program and operations,” stated Ms. Stephanie Wolf, president and CEO of the Solano Community Foundation in a letter sent to retired Army Lt. Colonel Meir Horvitz, vice president of DGMC’s CAT program. “We extend our congratulations to you and your board. This grant is a testimony to your good work and reputation.”
“I cannot begin to describe all the ways Paws for Healing has helped improve the [healing] experience for both our patients and staff,” wrote Col. [Dr.] Byron Hepburn, 60th Medical Group commander, in a thank you letter sent back to the Dey Solano Giving Fund. “Our devoted volunteers regularly bring their canine companions to spread joy to clinic and hospitalized patients.”
There are currently 11 teams visiting DGMC with dogs ranging in size from a Chihuahua all the way up to a Rhodesian Ridgeback. These special canines have already produced some positive results.
According to PFH members, one Yorkshire terrier named Megan was instrumental in helping a female patient break through paralysis that had lasted several months.
The patient wanted to hold Megan so badly when she saw her, said Ms. Tracey Wingerter, DGMC coordinator for the Canine Assisted Therapy program.
“With some assistance from our staff, she moved her arms for the first time,” she said.
“You can’t put into words what it does for our returning injured soldiers in DGMC’s Aeromedical Staging Facility to make an emotional connection while being with these special dogs,” said Mr. Horvitz. “One of these wounded soldiers was so pleased to see my Amos, a poodle mix, he presented his Purple Heart lapel pin to have put on Amos’ PFH uniform.”
PFH is a Napa-based non-profit organization that evaluates dogs for their CAT program and trains their human guardians in the various protocols required prior to visiting various medical and other approved facilities. The CAT program is operated throughout Solano, Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties. PFH also provides the necessary evaluation and training of new teams desiring to participate in this rewarding experience.
Travis members who are interested in being a part of PFH can call 258-3486 or visit www.pawsforhealing.org to obtain an application packet.
For more information, contact Ms. Wingerter 423-7709.