18 residentPaws4Pets


Therapy Dogs Brighten Lives I


story & photo by Maren Schrober


f it is Tuesday morning and you are visiting Gales Ferry Elementary School, you will most certainly see a moving sight. Down the long hallway you will spot a man walking his large dog with a little child walking alongside. The child has a smile on his face as he lovingly pets the dog.


As you glance inside the school


library, you are also likely to see a woman sharing another dog with a youngster in the same way. What’s going on here? Both Peter and Barbara Kallan


of Gales Ferry are certified animal therapists through the Pet Partners Program of the Delta Society. Using their therapy dogs Amber, a 7-1/2 year-old chocolate lab, and Mocha, a 7 year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever, Peter and Barbara work to brighten the lives of schoolchildren. “We started working for the Pet


Partners Program just over two years ago,” states Peter. “Before that we took our dogs for almost five years to basic and advanced obedience classes. We also took our dogs through therapy training. This trains our dogs to have no


Peter and Barbara Kallan, dog therapists of Gales Ferry, enjoy a happy moment together with Emma, a kindergartner in Gales Ferry School and their two therapy dogs, Mocha, a 7 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Amber a 7 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab.


fear of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes and loud or sudden noises.” “In 2009 I had a bad fall and received six weeks of rehabilitation at the Groton Regency. During her training class Barbara brought in both Amber and Mocha to visit me! The therapy team of which we were both members showed up a short time later and put on a performance for the residents in which I participated while in my wheelchair. The dogs had no fear of the chair and treated me as if I were without it! It was wonderful.”


For more information about the


Delta Society and the Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, visit the website at www.deltasociety.org. To post your comments, visit www.


theresident.com/2012/03/14/dogs or follow us on Twitter @Resident_News


March 14 ~ March 27, 2012 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com facebook.com/TheResident.com90 Twitter@Resident_News


residentAdopt-A-Pet Tank


Large • Adult • Male


Meet Tank! Poor Tank was sitting in an animal control facility for four months when his time was up. Luckily, he was saved, just in time, and is now looking for his forever home. He is an American Bulldog Mix. Tank is great with people and kids, but needs to be with older kids because of his size. No small dogs or cats for this guy, please. Tank is neutered, UTD on shots, and microchipped. Tank is also enrolled in obedience classes. For more information on Tank, please call Chris at the CT Animal House Inc., in Mystic at 860.271.1361.


residentHollywood Actress Rooney Mara Holds Oscar Nomination


By Tony Rizzo Every time Oscar nominations are announced there are surprises. This year, they’ve nominated four actors we’ve never heard of! Rooney Mara, nominated for “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” did


Rooney Mara, hailing from New York, is a 2012 Oscar Nominee for her role as Lisbeth Salander.


“Friends With Benefi ts” in ‘09 and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Social Network” in ‘10. Unlike the other three nominees, she hails from Bedford, N.Y., and has “Lawless” with Christian Bale due out 2013, as well as Steven Soderbergh’s “The Side Effects” with Channing Tatum and Jude Law.“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is part one of a trilogy of books written by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. Mara also is signed to reprise her “Dragon Tattoo” role in “The Girl Who Played with Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” all remakes of the 2009 Swedish fi lms.


residentHoroscope Salome’s Stars residentTennis Tip


ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The


adventurous


Aries won’t be disappointed with


taking on a new challenge, despite some initial misgivings. Look for this move to open other opportunities down the line.


TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Let that beautiful Bovine smile not only put you at ease, but also show that you’re ready, willing and more than able to confound the naysayers around you. A new admirer has important news.


GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful how you handle a relationship that you’re hoping to save. You already have the facts on your side. Avoid weakening your position by embellishing it with unnecessary dramatics.


CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Taking definitive stands isn’t easy for the often-wavering Moon Child. But you not only need to stay with your


decision, but also reassure others it was the right thing to do.


LEO (July 23 to Aug.22) As a proud Lion, you’re right to be upset about those who might be lying about you to others. But the best revenge is proving them wrong by succeeding at what you set out to do.


VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Caution is still advised before making a financial commitment to a “promising” project. Look for the facts behind the fluff. Devote the weekend to loved ones.


LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) A Taurus offers comfort and advice as you deal with an upsetting event. Use this as a learning experience that will help you avoid similar problems in the future.


SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) A romantic situation creates some chaos for single Scorpions. But it’s well worth the effort to work things out. A trusted friend can offer some helpful advice.


SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Expect to make new friends as your social circle expands. Also, remember to tell that family member how proud you are of his or her achievements.


CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) New ventures continue to be favored. And with your self-confidence rising all the time, you’ll want to see how well you can do with a new challenge. So, go to it.


AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) This is a good time for the usually “serious- minded” Aquarian to let loose and enjoy some fun times. Expect to get good news about a workplace issue.


PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Changed plans might upset some people, but your needs should be respected. Offer explanations when necessary. But don’t let yourself be talked into changing your decisions.


BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for bringing people together. You would make a fine judge or counselor.


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