Jaime Thomason, 16, is working to train her golden retriever, Zoka,
to become a licensed therapy dog in the state of Kentucky.

Local canine to lend a helping paw

by Andy McDonald

When 16-year-old Jaime Thomason set out to help those in need, she decided to enlist the help of a special friend. Zoka, Thomason’s affable, golden retriever, is currently undergoing training to become a therapy dog – a specially trained canine that will give comfort to patients in nursing homes and hospitals.

Certification for becoming a therapy dog is offered through the Delta Society, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of service dogs. Given the good temperament of golden retrievers, training Zoka as a therapy dog seemed like a good idea, according to Thomason. “They’re a perfect dog for anything except security,” Thomason said. “They’re very good-natured and they are very people oriented. They’re people pleasers, and that’s why they are so easy to train.” To qualify Zoka as a therapy dog, Jaime will have to study for and pass a test administered by the Delta Society. Zoka will then be observed by a Delta Team evaluator, insuring he has the right temperament and training to go into a health care environment. Once Zoka is licensed, the Delta Society will help Jaime find facilities where Zoka’s pleasant disposition is needed.

Maggie Franklin, 3, meets Zoka in Berea.

So far, Zoka has received a little informal training in preparation for his role as a therapy dog, walking among crowds at Berea College, strolling in the busy Hamburg Pavilion Mall in Lexington, and he’s even had some experience with people in wheelchairs.

Golden retrievers are especially well suited to be therapy dogs since they are friendly and good with children. Zoka makes a new friend, greeting eighteen-month-old Claire Franklin.

When one man in a wheelchair inadvertently rolled over his tail, Zoka took it without so much as a howl of protest, Jaime explained. “One guy rolled over his tail but Zoka just barked as if to say, ‘Hello, you’re on my tail!’” Just how much good can a canine visit help a patient in a hospital or nursing home? A great deal, said Thomason, noting that animals can be especially comforting for some because they seem totally accepting – not prone to judging other people who have an illness, frailty or disability. As such, petting the soft fur of a dog or getting a friendly lick on the hand can be a welcome change of routine. “People in nursing homes can get depressed, and just talking to dogs can make people feel a little happier, particularly if they’ve been feeling bad,” Thomason said.

Like most golden retrievers, Zoka has a fondness for water – but not just swimming in it. He also enjoys using it to keep his teeth sparkling.

“He loves to get his teeth brushed and that’s going to be a neat trick for the kids,” explained Jaime’s mother, Susan Thomason, who noted that motivating healthy kids to brush their teeth can be enough of a challenge. But motivating sick children to brush can be even harder. Zoka, however, could give kids some fun lessons about brushing, Thomason said. “If you get his toothpaste and toothbrush out, he’s all over you. It’s (toothpaste) bubble gum flavored.”

“He’ll go to the sink and put his paws up,” added Jaime. “He’ll rinse his mouth out afterwards, and now we can’t brush our teeth without brushing his, too.”

The Thomasons are looking forward to new opportunities to help other people, though they both have busy schedules. Susan is owner and broker of Realty Resources in Berea in addition to owning and operating Coffee Conspiracy with her husband, Jim. Jaime, meanwhile, is a junior at Berea Community High School, and a member of the Berea Hospital Junior Auxiliary. Still, Jaime and Susan plan on traveling to regional health care facilities once Zoka is trained. It may take an investment of their time and money, but both say it will be well worth it.

“Imagine seeing children’s faces light up? How could that not be worth it? Whatever we put into it, we’ll get back as much as we put in,” Susan says.

“If not more,” added Jaime.

Written by Andy McDonald - BereaOnline.com Contributing Editor