Welcome To Jasper the Therapy Dog

From The Erie Times-News (PA)

July 18, 2005

Author: ERICA ERWIN

erica.erwin@timesnews.com

Section: Neighborhoods

For the seven children gathered around watching him, it's a day of learning and fun. For Jasper, a furry, wet-nosed Shih Tzu, it's a job.

     Jasper, under the direction of owner Dave Tamilin, is the star of a summer camp for autistic children. The goal of the two-month program, run jointly by a local agency and Villa Maria Elementary School, is to use pet therapy to help autistic children learn social and communication skills.

     The therapy isn't complex. Think a pat on the head, a wagging tail, a fluffy paw on the lap, a lick on the nose. "The theory is that Jasper will grease their social interaction and help the kids become less anxious," said Tamilin, a behavior specialist consultant at the Center. "When they're less anxious, they're more apt to take part in activities. And that's our goal, to help children with autism take part in everyday activities." And they do.

     When the "Hokey Pokey" blares over the airwaves from the same small radio, Jasper prances around the circle of wiggling kids. Afterward, 10-year-old Lorena ran over to the dog, dropped to her knees and pets him. "Hi, Jasper," she said, giggling.

     When a game of "Ring Around the Rosey" is over, Jasper playfully jumps into 7-year-old Mariah’s lap and wags his tail, prompting an "awww" from her. Mariah is the last one standing at the end of the song, so everyone claps. Thanks to Jasper, Mariah has made the most progress of any student in the room. "A week ago, if everyone clapped like that, she would just scream and shut down,"

     The Center is running a scientific study of the program, measuring its effectiveness by tracking the amount of time children participate in activities. Center therapists measure participation when Jasper is present, and when he isn't. Mariah’s participation has risen from 13 percent when the program began at the end of June, to 50 percent.

     "The kids are more excited, more motivated to participate, when Jasper's here," researcher Amanda Will said. "They have more smiles, more energy. They don't tell you they're happier, but you can read it on their faces."

     Jasper knows he's doing good work, Tamilin said. "When the kids see Jasper, their reaction is one of joy," Tamilin said. "He makes them feel good about themselves, and Jasper knows that."

ERICA ERWIN can be reached at 870-1846 or by e-mail.