This doctor doesn't wear a coat, has never taken the Hippocratic Oath and walks on four legs!
The dachshund has helped bring cheer to several depressed persons
AHMEDABAD: This doctor doesn't wear a coat, has never taken the Hippocratic Oath and walks on four legs! But the female dachshund is a first class healer. And her patients would vouch for the fact. For, very few can boast of pulling out people from bouts of depression and bringing a smile to those suffering from chronic disease.
Perhaps that is why the title, Dr Dog, sits easy on her. Skippy, as the doctor is called, is also a visiting specialist at Blind People's Association, Prem Fateh Foundation, and the Manav Sadhna School at Gandhi Ashram. Skippy's initiation into the field began two years ago when two Taiwanese volunteers from Animals Asia Foundation came to India to introduce the Dr Dog programme.
"The programme had been a success in Taiwan, wherein dogs were used to help people deal with their worries," said Bijoy Shivram, owner of the dog. He said the idea was to use dogs as part of a therapy to bring succour to those who were severely ill or on their death-bed and even to the underprivileged.
The programme began in collaboration with the Animal Health Foundation (AHF) in Ahmedabad. Around 40 dogs participated in an event held to choose Dr Dog. The criteria was to select a dog that was friendly, warm, calm and one which would not be intimidated by strangers. A volunteer would suddenly jump, shout or run in front of the dog and it was judged by its reaction. "A number of dogs participating in the event reacted aggressively; unlike Skippy who was very friendly and calm," said Shivram.
"She was one of the best among the seven short-listed Dr Dogs," said the proud owner. Skippy's visit to the BPA earned her a huge fan following among students. "The visually impaired often feel unwanted and getting acquainted with dogs is a touching experience," said Jassu Kavi, education director at BPA. Kavi was talking about Skippy's visit to BPA where she spent some time with 40 children from the institute. "Once the children got familiar with the dog, it kept following them to the hostel room, climbed on their beds and even hugged them," said Kavi.
"I don't fear dogs anymore now that I have met Skippy. I enjoy playing with her. Just being with her gives me immense happiness," said Gajendra Vyas, at BPA.
But Skippy's social service was threatened once AHF stopped functioning. "It was difficult to go to organisations and convince them about dog therapy once the parent organisation ceased functioning," said Shivram. However, families and acquaintances who were aware of Skippy's work kept calling her for visits. Playful Skippy has provided solace to many so far. "I wish to continue with the activities as Skippy has made a difference to so many lives," said Shivram. Some of the people who benefited from her company also came together to celebrate her birthday in December.
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