VIEW, Issue three, 2012
Website:
viewdigital.org
Page 21
Clockwise from above: Mary Lou with yellow labradors Moss and Skye, Claire with wheaten terrier/Labrador mix Dolly; Mandy with her Old English Sheepdog Ellie and Diane and Freddie with poodles Bing Crosby and Harvey
Pictures: Kevin Cooper
THE POOCHES WHO CARE A
Animal lover Isabella Quinliven talks to VIEW about the work of her charity Caring Canines. The organisation, which brings dogs on visits to the elderly and the sick, celebrates its 25th anniversary next year
Caring Canines, which brings dogs on visits to the elderly, the sick and children, was set up by its founder Isabel Quinliven in 1988. Ms Quinliven said: “I set up Caring Canines in
much in the way of stimulation in a nursing home or a hospital. The animals are a great comfort to them.”
charity that relies totally on voluntary con- tributions celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.
May 1988. Animals are a great source of comfort to people, especially the elderly. “Although the staff try hard, there is often not
a child, without any brothers or sisters, animals al- ways played a big part of my life. “We have about 140 members of the charity. It is made up of visiting members and support mem- bers, who help with a range of things, including fund-raising activities. “There are around 90 dogs who take part in the
visits.
“They go with the volunteers to day centres, hospitals, nursing and residential homes and elderly and mentally infirm units. Among those they visit are people with dementia and Alzheimer's. They also visit children in Musgrave and the Ulster Hos- pitals. “We also go to a few playgroups just to intro- duce the dog to the children. It's a way of educat- ing the children, so if they ever get a dog, they will know how to look after it. “This is a totally voluntary charity. We depend on
“I'm a great animal lover myself,” said Isabel. “As
‘A few tears are sometimes shed when the dogs visit. As they touch the animals, they often recall memories of when they had a dog themselves’
getting donations from people. The dogs are all fully insured for visiting by the members. We don't charge for doing the visits. Some nursing homes will say to us how much will it cost? “When I say it's free they can't believe it. Every- thing seems to be about money these days. “Time is a very precious thing and these volun- teers are giving up there precious time to do these visits.”
Isabel added: “There is a fantastic reaction from people who are suffering from dementia and
Alzheimer’s when the dogs visit them. A few tears are sometimes shed. As they touch the animals, they often recall memories of when they had a dog themselves.
“One patient asked me one day if I was a mem- ber of his family. When I replied that I wasn't, he said: ‘Thank God, for that, because I thought you were and I didn't know you’. “Our volunteers are very good with people who
are suffering from these illnesses. The dog helps to break down any barrier between those visiting and those who are in homes. The dog goes in and you can see their eyes lightening up. “They might not remember your name and might ask you what it is about 100 times, but they will often remember the dog's name. “The dogs that Caring Cannies use are really
special,” said Isabela . “They have to have a very good temperament and not all dogs are suitable. The people we visit are often very lonely and the appearance of the dog brings them a little bit of comfort. “May 24 next year will be the 25th anniverary of Caring Canines. I'm hoping to have big night as a way of thanking all the volunteers who have helped the charity over the years. “We are always looking for new members. I don't want people to join who might see visiting a hospital as some sort of chore, “I want people to join who care about those
who are in hospitals and nursing homes and who will enjoy bringing in their dog in to help cheer them up.”
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