Priya Stephen, a communications professional and an animal lover from Bengaluru talks about canine therapy
Q: What is canine therapy and what does it involve?
Canine therapy is a therapy that we give to terminally-ill patients, or the elderly, using pets. Under this therapy, dogs are brought to interact with elderly people, many of who may be lonely and depressed. The dogs enliven their daily routine and offer limitless affection. There have been instances where dogs have visited patients with cancer, providing a comforting and often entertaining distraction from the tedious treatments that they endure. Petting the dog releases the hormone, oxytocin, which is known to uplift mood. There are also assist dogs. For example, if a senior has difficulty in walking or tracing a path, these assist dogs help them figure their way around.
Q: What made you pursue canine therapy as a part-time profession?
My mother suffers from Alzheimer’s and I have seen how our pet dog keeps her happy and occupied. She is busy with him for a good part of the day. She takes him for a walk, keeps him groomed and remembers his schedule very well. I have seen how our pet has changed her life, so I was keen on knowing more about this form of therapy.
In 2015, I quit my corporate job and pursued three courses – canine training and behaviour, handling canine aggression and canine therapy. The following year, I started working with a veterinary hospital, and I was with them till 2018. The happiness at seeing them follow your commands is unparalleled.
Q: Tell us more about yourself.
I have always been an animal lover. It was inculcated in me since childhood. My mother always told us, “If you can love animals then only can you love humans. They are voice-less, you have to be their voice.” Our house was always filled with cats or dogs. So I pursued this course and now I work during weekends providing therapy to elderly, disabled people and children.
Besides being a certified canine trainer and therapist, I am also a communications professional. I work with a public relations agency. I also run a store called Paw Delights in Bengaluru where you can order homemade treats for your pets, cakes for their birthdays and other snacks for them. I started this way back in 2014.
Q: How has the pandemic impacted your work?
I work with individuals and also volunteer with old-age homes. Mostly my work around canines and the elderly is voluntary. But, now, because of the pandemic, am unable to visit people who need canine therapy. It isn’t something that can be done online. For the time-being, all of this has come to a halt.
Q: How has having a pet changed your life?
I have a more balanced life with a pet around. Just sitting with my dog helps me unwind and forget about all my worries. I feel so cheerful and that time spent with the dog is stress-free. You can never hide anything from a dog. Even if you are sitting sad, the dog will sense something is wrong, and will come to you and take you out of that zone. They are your best companions who give you so much and expect so little from you.