THE SCAS

In this issue• News: charities work together to set up Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (p.2)

• Positive animal interaction for autism: animal-assisted activities at Daldorch House (p.4)

• Pets for Life: how one couple successfully lobbied their housing provider (p.8)

• On the frontline: pet loss support at Blue Cross hospitals and rehoming centres (p.9)

• Research focus: companion animal interventions in offender rehabilitation settings (p.14)

Spring 2010

Vol. XXII No. 1

NEWS REPORTS T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 02 •

A coalition of animal protection groups has arrived in Haiti to aid animals suffering after the devastating earthquake. The team represents a coalition – the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) – that was formed specifically to deal with the Haiti crisis and is led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

The ARCH team is meeting with officials from the Haitian government as well as international agencies such as the United Nations, to define the country’s most pressing

animal-related problems, as well as identifying options for a wide-ranging, long-term plan which includes creating and improving infrastructure for veterinary care, a large-scale vaccination programme and animal population control services.

“The condition of these animals before the earthquake was not good, so we can’t just simply put things back as they were,” said Ian Robinson, IFAW’s director of emergency relief. “We need to deliver immediate relief to animals and to develop long-term plans for a lasting good.”

The International Society of Anthrozoology (ISAZ) and WALTHAM® have awarded the 2009 ISAZ/Waltham Collaborative Research in Human-Animal Interaction to Dr Rebecca Johnson of the University of Missouri. Dr Johnson, who is the Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing and the Director of the Research Centre for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, has received a two-year award for her research “Seniors fostering shelter dogs: Improving health and well-being together.”

The study will investigate whether partnering older adults with shelter dogs will provide the health and psychosocial benefits to foster owners similar to the benefits that dog owners experience. It will also investigate potential benefits to shelter dogs in their behaviour and adoption rates.

Information about the 2010 grant programme is available at www.isaz.net/award.html.

ISAZ/Waltham collaborative research grants

The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) invites proposals from international research teams to investigate the therapeutic effects of horses on humans. The Foundation’s broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately impact physical and mental health and the quality of life for participants in equine-assisted activities and therapies. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account scientific merit, scientific and clinical significance and relevance to areas designated by the Foundation. Preference will be given to investigators with solid credentials and research experience. The average grant award is $50,000 for up to a one year period. Further information can be found on the HHRF website at: www.horsesandhumans.org. The application deadline is May 15, 2010.

Animal aid arrives in Haiti

Equine research funding available

The latest news stories ...

© WSPA/IFAW

• 3NEWS REPORTSw w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 3

There really is a difference between “dog people” and “cat people”, according to new research from a University of Texas at Austin psychologist. In a paper to be published later this year in the journal Anthrozoös, professor Sam Gosling finds that those who define themselves as “dog people” are more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious than self-described “cat people”. Fans of felines, on the other hand, are more neurotic but also more open than their canine-loving counterparts.

“There is a widely held cultural belief that the pet species – dog or cat – with which a person has the strongest affinity says something about the individual’s personality,” says Gosling, who conducted the study with graduate student Carson Sandy.

As part of the research, 4,565 volunteers were asked whether they were dog people, cat people, neither or both. The same group was given a 44-item assessment that measured them on the so-called Big Five personality dimensions psychologists often use to study personalities.

“This research suggests there are significant differences on major personality traits between dog people and cat people,” he says. “Given the tight psychological connections between people and their pets, it is likely that the differences between dogs and cats may be suited to different human personalities.”

Dog breaks the language barrier

The difference between “dog” and “cat” people

A nation of podgy pets

Thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life, and lifespan, cut short as a direct result of obesity, according to new research from pet charity PDSA. A nine-month health assessment of nearly 8,000 dogs during 2009 paints a worrying picture of the health of the nation’s dog population. According to the data over three-and-a-half million UK dogs need to slim down.

Cats are also getting bigger, with latest figures suggesting that one in four cats is overweight.

Sean Wensley, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: “As people’s waistlines increase, so too our pets’ vital statistics seem to be mirroring that trend. Ultimately, it is the owners who are in control of their pets’ food intake and often they inadvertently feed an inappropriate diet and excessive calories.”

RSPCA staff have taught an old dog new tricks by teaching a Polish pooch to understand English. Cent the Border Collie was brought to the charity’s centre in Oldham, Greater Manchester when his Polish owners could no longer look after him. Staff initially thought that he may be deaf but after testing his hearing, they realised there was a language barrier.

Animal care assistant Luke Johnson said: “At first, we were baffled because Cent couldn’t understand what anyone was saying to him. It was only a few days later when it dawned on us that he must be used to hearing commands in Polish.”

Staff at the centre searched on the internet for some basic translations and also asked the former owner’s family for assistance.

After using a reward-based training method, Cent is now

bilingual and responds to commands in both English and Polish. Luke added: “It’s not something you would really think about but it makes sense that our society is multicultural so the animals are as well.”

T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 04 • ANimAl-ASSiStEd THERAPy

SCAS member Kelly Breckney recently introduced animal-assisted activity sessions for autistic pupils at Daldorch House School in Scotland – with inspiring results.

Positive animal interaction for pupils with autism

It has been well documented that animals are used to foster positive relationships with autistic children. For example, Nuala Gardner wrote a book, A Friend Like Henry, about her real-life experiences with their family’s dog, Henry, and how the golden retriever assisted her son Dale in coping with his autism and traits of this disorder. Henry helped to calm instances of challenging behaviour and aided the boy in learning social skills. Their story was made into a TV drama, After Thomas. The benefits of companion animals for children with autism were also recently examined in the SCAS Journal (Vol. XXI No.3 Autumn 2009, pp 14–17).

I work at Daldorch House School, an independent Scottish school managed by The National Autistic Society, and as part of my studies for a Professional Certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy at Myerscough College, Preston, I decided to pilot animal-assisted activities (AAA) within the school. The purpose of these sessions was to find out whether or not AAA would be beneficial to the young people there. Having worked at Daldorch House for approximately eight years – three as a support worker and five as a classroom assistant – I felt my experience meant I was capable of tuning into aspects of autism and reading certain traits/behaviours.

Above: Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognising the benefits of companion animals for children with autism

Kelly Breckney, classroom assistant, Daldorch House School, SCAS member

w w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 5ANimAl-ASSiStEd THERAPy

Guinea pigs, rabbits and a Jack RussellI identified Friday as being the best day to conduct the AAA sessions at Daldorch House. Friday is more relaxed and it would bring a positive ending to the week. I identified the young people I felt would benefit most from the interactions and conducted some “meet and greet sessions” with two guinea pigs that I had bought for the study. This, I hoped, would accustom the young people to the guinea pigs and allow the guinea pigs to get used to people other than myself.

For the next year I met constantly with four young people (MM, RM, TC and AC), as well as many other young people on an occasional basis. A year on, Daldorch saw for themselves the benefits of the AAA, and it was agreed that I could continue to conduct sessions every Friday. As I was to be paid to conduct these sessions I also bought two rabbits, Molly and Milly, and procured the family Jack Russell, Mindy, to expand the interactions. I conducted weekly sessions consistently with MM, RM, TC and AC.

The biggest smileMM’s AAA sessions took place in his bedroom to avoid distractions from other staff and peers. To begin with the guinea pigs were presented to MM by following him around his bedroom with me holding them, and then the guinea pigs were sat on MM’s bed on their training mat to allow MM to come to them. For approximately three months MM continued to look occasionally from a distance while pacing his room. This then progressed to MM watching the guinea pigs for up to three minutes at a time, on and off, for the duration of the half hour session.

MM then began to sit on his bed and touch the guinea pigs with his toes; this resulted in the biggest smile to have come from MM. MM then began to build an association with myself. Whenever I entered MM’s unit he would take my arm and lead me to his bedroom for the animals. MM now sits on his bed for the duration of the session stroking the guinea pigs, rabbits or Mindy. He is very calm and relaxed during and at the end of his sessions. Even if I attend when MM is maybe anxious or upset he is always very happy by the end. MM has even interacted with other animals that have been brought into the school including dogs Jet and Kye, who come in weekly with John Senior, the vet from Cross Riggs Veterinary Surgery in Cumnock. MM has interacted in the playground with the dogs on a few occasions.

Developing positive relationshipsAC also benefited from the regular AAA sessions. AC participated in intense self-injurious behaviour (SIB) and

I hoped that the introduction of some AAA might reduce this behaviour, even slightly. The introduction to the AAA for AC was similar to that for MM. I followed AC around the class holding guinea pigs. AC, some weeks later, sat on the green mat put out purposely for the AAA. AC then became comfortable in the company of the guinea pigs, occasionally looking at them; however AC is the type of person that if you want to do something, won’t. This was reiterated by AC’s mum, Pauline.

Pauline regularly attended AC’s AAA sessions and was very happy that AC was participating in this interaction. AC would have no SIB during AAA and if he attended when upset he would be calm with the guinea pigs.

Below: A variety of animals were

used for AAA sessions at

Daldorch House School

6 • T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 06 • ANimAl-ASSiStEd THERAPy

AC went on to touch the guinea pigs independently and have them crawl over his knee and back. He would really look at the guinea pigs for periods of about three minutes at a time; this was a real achievement due to his low cognitive understanding and concentration span. Now, when I enter the room with guinea pigs, AC will go into the corner where he receives AAA. AC also played a game of moving so I would follow him, and he would laugh. Both AC and MM have gone on to develop positive relationships with Molly and Milly the rabbits, and Mindy the dog, as well as the guinea pigs.

Reducing self-injury TC, however, did not take to the AAA so well. TC was very impatient and demanding when he first began receiving AAA and would self-injure and bite his shoes for the duration of the session. As the AAA sessions became more regular and consistent he would stroke the guinea pigs in between the self-injurious behaviour. Then one day TC came in, took off his shoes, and sat on the green mat waiting to be presented with the guinea pigs on his knee. Due to the interaction going so well, I gave TC some cucumber to give to the guinea pigs, which they took and ate. TC lit up the room with his smile and giggled heartily. This was not something I expected from TC and was waiting for the self-injurious behaviour to re-appear. It never did. TC attended his sessions faithfully – feeding, grooming, and even bathing the guinea pigs. TC really enjoyed his interactions and he continues to enjoy the rabbits and dog.

Like MM, TC also occasionally goes for a walk with the vet, John, and dogs Jet and Kye. TC will take the gong from John to throw for the dogs and becomes really excited when the dogs chase it. TC will hold the gong, looking at the dogs before throwing it, and he will wait until Kye barks before throwing it, even if this takes a couple of minutes. This I would not have thought possible due to the demanding and impatient nature of TC when we first began our sessions. TC has no problems with John, as he has interacted with him since the beginning.

A keen interest in animalsMy major success story for the AAA was with RM. For the duration of my employment within the school RM was the “most autistic” young person I had ever come across – as in typical textbook autism. RM had a major physical contact issue and was unable (on occasion) to cope with the transition from place to place. It took a lot of time and commitment from the staff working with RM for him to trust them and allow them to assist him with personal care and changing him. RM had always shown a keen interest in animals and if he saw a dog walking round the outside of the school he would stand watching until it was out of sight. Even though RM really liked animals he would not

Above: Daldorch House School

Right & below: Kelly’s Friday AAA sessions are a positive end to the week

• 7w w w. s c a s . o r g . u k ANimAl-ASSiStEd THERAPy

touch them due to his physical contact issues, and he did not like the animals presented to him. If they were, he would swear, go in the opposite direction, or throw objects as a coping mechanism of being presented with something he disliked.

Due to working within RM’s classroom at the time, I was able to allow the guinea pigs to sit in their cage in the class with RM just observing them when he liked, and from as far away as RM was comfortable with. Even RM just looking at the guinea pigs encouraged the feeling of excitement and he would communicate more. From the beginning the transition to class would be easier knowing that the animals would be there, or he would follow from outside into the class. He would observe other pupils receiving AAA and really gained a lot from the observation. RM was the main candidate for walking with John Senior, the vet, Jet and Kye. RM responded instantly to John and would use his means of striking up a conversation with repetitive learned phrases. He would instantly take the gong from John to throw for the dogs, much to our amazement.

I think this was assisted by John not having the preconception that RM would not take things from him, and so would offer the gong to RM with no pressure. John would throw the gong himself if RM said “No”. New staff that had just begun working with RM or had not been out on a walk would sometimes be anxious at the notion of John offering items to RM, until they were reassured by

me and John that this has never been an issue. RM still attends his walks with John and is very comfortable in the presence of John and the dogs. It is the highlight of RM’s week when he will ask me to phone John or ask staff to ask me to phone John. Conducting the AAA has given RM a very positive relationship with me and he will chat constantly about the guinea pigs (“pig a pigs” as he calls them), or the rabbits, Mindy, and of course John.

The need for AAA within residential settingsI have had many other young people attend the AAA as a one-off session or as and when required. Most of the school has had some AAA input at some point. However the progress and positive relationships gained with MM, TC, AC and RM has advocated the need for AAA within residential settings and is another plus factor for the human-animal bond and positive interaction for autism.

In the near future I hope to do some collaborative work with our speech and language therapist to further encourage the development of speech, language and communication generally through animal-assisted therapy.

Further informationMyerscough College: www.myerscough.ac.uk

The National Autistic Society: www.nas.org.uk

Above & left: Kelly’s study

has advocated the need for AAA within residential

settings

ScAS uPDATE T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 08 •

As part of the SCAS Pets for Life campaign, hear how one housing provider is well on the way to getting it right – thanks to two of its courageous residents …

Keeping older people and pets together

When Anne and Trevor Stuart decided to move into sheltered accommodation they carefully chose their new home on the basis that it was pet-friendly – allowing them to live their lives in the same way they always had, with their beloved dog Sweep. He was a welcome addition to the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) scheme, bringing joy not only to his owners but also to other residents.

That joy soon turned to distress, however, when shortly after moving in last year Sweep was taken ill and passed away. This was particularly difficult for the Stuarts – as well as losing a true friend they were also still adjusting to new surroundings. Both Anne and Trevor are lifelong dog lovers and to help them through this sad time, they felt that rehoming another dog would be comforting. It was also something they felt passionate about doing.

It was at this point it became clear that rehoming another dog might not be straightforward, as the BDHT housing office informed the couple of the Trust’s policy that once a pet dies, it cannot be “replaced”. Trevor recalls: “One of the most confusing things for us was that at no point had we been made aware of this policy, so how on earth could it be upheld? We are sure that had we been informed, we would not have moved to the accommodation – being able to care for a dog is such an important part of our lives.”

The Stuarts took a decision to stand up for their right to

choose whether or not to keep a pet and for their right to be fully informed about such an important policy. It was at this point they contacted SCAS and together we embarked on a campaign to ensure that BDHT took notice. Due to the fact the Stuarts were not informed of this policy when signing their contract and no formal written documents outlined the Trust’s decision not to allow pets to be replaced, they were entitled to contest the Trust’s decision.

A number of official complaints were lodged by both SCAS and the Stuarts, with SCAS also writing to the Trust informing them of the Pets for Life campaign (www.scas.org.uk/petsforlife) and our support for Anne and Trevor. And it is thanks to the tenacity of our combined efforts that the Trust reviewed the status of their policy and decided to implement one which allows pets. They listened to their residents and even thanked them for raising the issue. If Anne and Trevor had not had the courage to speak out, it may never have been addressed.

Bromsgrove District Housing Trust has since invited SCAS to share with it our knowledge of this issue and we look forward to working with them as they develop and finalise a responsible and positive pet policy. Meanwhile, Anne and Trevor have begun their search for a new companion by visiting the Blue Cross adoption centre in Bromsgrove, so watch this space for more good news …

Liz Somerville, SCAS project manager

Left: Trevor and Anne’s dog Sweep brought joy not only to his owners but also to other residents

pEt BEREAvEmENTw w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 9

Josie Kirk, deputy nurse manager at The Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital, explains how the charity’s veterinary staff cope with pet euthanasia on a daily basis and provide ongoing support to owners facing pet loss.

On the frontline

Here at the Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria we see a wide range of pet patients ranging from the normal first opinion clients that would otherwise go to a basic private veterinary practice, right through to referral level (ie for medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and spinal problems, and trauma – fractured legs, jaws, pelvis, chest injuries and so on). As part of our work, we also deal with euthanasia on a daily basis and each euthanasia is unique to the animal, its owners and the staff that are involved.

Offering gentle guidanceClinic nurses and veterinary surgeons are often involved in long-term support of chronically ill pets and their owners. They are the ones responsible for providing appropriate gentle guidance for owners to allow them to gradually prepare for euthanasia, and to make the most of the time they have together. This involves giving owners rough estimates of how long an animal’s illness can be managed, providing palliative care for them in old age, and allowing owners to feel sure euthanasia decisions are made at the correct time for them.

Kennel staff are involved in euthanasia decisions and discussions with owners about patients that have been

admitted for a range of various problems. Often acute illnesses require various tests such as blood samples, x-rays, ultrasounds and sometimes surgery before the correct diagnosis can be made. Owners of in-patients often expect an instant diagnosis just by us looking at the animal. Although this can be assumed in some cases, most are much more complex. For owners, seeing patients in kennels can often be daunting; animals may be on drips, with pumps attached, have urinary catheters and bags, be on oxygen – very similar to what you would see in a human hospital. Documentaries on television may have helped some owners to realise the vast and specialised equipment necessary to support pets during ill health. However, waiting for a diagnosis or agreeing to exploratory surgery with permission to euthanise whilst under anaesthetic can often make an owner feel helpless, as this takes away the decision-making process from them. Staff involved in these cases will spend time explaining what is happening at each step of the way, and what can be expected in the future days or weeks.

Staff covering the emergency hours including weekends, bank holidays and nights often deal with a wide range of patients and animals. This includes long-term illness

Above: Staff are often involved in long-term support of chronically ill pets

Above: The community nurse works specifically with housebound clients

pEt BEREAvEmENT T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 010 •

where appropriate veterinary care may or may not have been provided, and trauma cases in young healthy dogs and cats. Occasionally it will also be the veterinary staff calling the owner to say their treasured pet has been brought to The Blue Cross after a trauma. This can often be quite distressing for an owner who has not had sufficient time to come to terms with a euthanasia decision or indeed for those whose pet has died on the way to hospital. Owners react in many different ways ranging from complete disbelief, guilt (either of themselves, the driver of the car that has run over their pet, veterinary staff for not saving their young dog, or friends/family for various reasons etc). Hysteria and acceptance are also encountered and each owner is treated individually depending on their reaction.

Providing frontline supportReception staff are the frontline support for clients and tend to be the first and last people that owners speak to regarding the euthanasia or death of their pets. They deal with the aftermath of all of the above situations. They encourage clients for euthanasia appointments to come at times where they will be seen more quickly and with less people around. Reception also has a quiet room that can be used for clients to sit in peace and quiet, away from the glare of others who are awaiting veterinary treatment for

their pets. Reception staff also take a lot of phone calls about euthanasia; sometimes this appears to be merely a formality in arranging cremation or collection of a body. Most of the time clients turn to reception either face-to-face or over the phone for a general chat about their pet; often they feel that other people they know do not understand how it feels to lose a companion. Reception staff are able to provide the support, time and empathy that is needed to allow owners to talk about their pet in a meaningful way; often through personal experience of losing their own pet.

The community nurse and ambulance drivers find they can become particularly involved with the euthanasia of clients’ treasured animal companions. This department works specifically with housebound clients. They collect pets from owners and bring them to the hospital for examination and treatment, before returning them home and explaining what treatment they may need, what the cause of the problem is, or indeed the future prognosis or possible euthanasia of the pet. Many of these clients were healthy, able adults when they decided to have a pet as a companion. After health deterioration many of these owners have limited contact with people other than family, neighbours, dog walkers or health care workers. People in this situation often have pets at the centre of their life and when it is time for euthanasia they may not only lose

Above: Blue Cross staff are trained to help and support clients through pet bereavement

pEt BEREAvEmENTw w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 11

their last pet but also their contact with people associated with the animal – ie ambulance drivers/community nurses or dog walkers. If they don’t have family or neighbours that they feel comfortable talking to they will continue to stay in contact with the ambulance department. As the ambulance department is a small team, most of the clients are on first name terms.

Making the right decisionThis isn’t the only time that the ambulance department is there for grieving owners. Some people’s health deteriorates so much that it becomes necessary to move into residential care or spend long periods of time in hospital on a regular basis. These pet owners will not only lose their homes and regular contact workers but also their pets. Few residential care homes are able to accept pets and it often falls to charity staff to rehome older, well trained companions and reassure owners in an accurate but sensitive way, that they have made the right decisions for their pets and themselves.

As well as being present either in person or at the end of the phone, The Blue Cross also sends out bereavement cards for owners to arrive two or three days later. This gives the owner something to keep in memory of their pet and reminds them that we are available should they wish to talk to anyone. A personalised message in the card can be made to reassure owners that they have made the right decision for their pet, and relieve the guilt of making a decision to end their animal’s life.

Understanding pet lossThrough its partnership with SCAS, The Blue Cross has arranged training sessions for hospital staff on helping clients through pet bereavement which I have attended. These sessions covered various areas of pet loss, from euthanasia as a result of long-term illness to death from acute injuries. We looked at personal experiences of pet loss, which helped staff understand that all pet loss is individual to each owner and indeed each pet. We also received information on how to help owners and their families to prepare for a euthanasia decision. Staff found that children and people with memory loss (such as Alzheimer’s or dementia) were often difficult to deal with and there was lots of useful information included to help staff in these situations.

This training inspired me to produce a waiting room display for clients and visitors on pet loss and euthanasia. Death is not a subject that is readily talked about in Britain. It’s almost a taboo subject which we daren’t mention. However, it’s often the older generation that will readily discuss this openly as a part of everyday life – an acceptance that death will happen to all of us at some point, but need not be something to be afraid of.

In humans, burial or cremation with scattered ashes are everyday expected rituals. With animals there is no accepted ritual to say goodbye to a pet. Many owners expect to be able to bury their pet or retain its ashes. However, for many of our clients this is not possible. The display highlights the normal feelings of pet loss and suggests possible methods to help owners remember a treasured pet. It briefly covers some hints and tips on helping children cope with pet loss. Most importantly, it provides leaflets and telephone numbers for The Pet Bereavement Support Service, a support line run by The Blue Cross and SCAS that people can call call in confidence to talk to someone who has been in a similar position to them.

The act of euthanasia has a profound effect on veterinary staff that are involved in “killing a patient”. After all, it goes against the reason why most staff joined the veterinary profession – to save animals. However difficult it is, the act of euthanasia and how we treat the client is one of the most important things that we as a profession can do. The experience will stay with the staff and owners forever.

Above: A pet can be a lifeline to a housebound person

Pet loss support trainingSCAS offers training in pet loss support through distance learning and face-to-face workshops. Contact SCAS for more details.

Pet Bereavement Support ServiceSupport line (open every day 8.30am–8.30pm): 0800 096 6606

Email support line: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk

thE BLuE CROSS T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 012 •

Dealing with euthanasia can be the most professionally challenging aspect of a career in animal welfare. Sarah Bussell, deputy manager of the Blue Cross Tiverton adoption centre, discusses the support on offer to her staff and clients at the centre.

A network of support

The issue of companion animal euthanasia is a highly emotive subject. Whether the reason for euthanasing is on medical grounds or for behavioural reasons the effect on those people involved can be devastating. Keen to develop my knowledge, skills and experience further in relation to offering pet loss support to Blue Cross clients and centre staff at Tiverton, a colleague and I recently attended a Pet Loss Support workshop, delivered by The Blue Cross/SCAS Pet Bereavement Support Service, at the charity’s head office in Burford, Oxfordshire.

The one-day programme covered the following core areas in detail:

The human-companion animal bond•

Loss and grief•

Euthanasia•

Compassionate communication skills•

Action planning, staff support and evaluation•

The word “euthanasia” comes from the Greek expression for “good death”. While there are many definitions of euthanasia available, I found this one from The American Heritage Science Dictionary, 2005 most appropriate: “The act of or practice of painlessly ending the life of an animal or willing individual who has a terminal illness or incurable condition, as by giving a lethal drug.”

Having worked in animal welfare since 1987 I have experienced animal euthanasia on a large scale during my career, from dealing with domestic animals to huge numbers of oil-soaked sea birds. No matter how many times I experience this difficult area of my work, it never gets any easier – although I believe I have learned to cope differently with it over time.

Having attended this course, I went on to present a euthanasia workshop to all my team at Tiverton. I put this workshop together to enable discussion about euthanasia as a team with a view to generating a deeper understanding of the process and management of the emotional aspects associated with it. The workshop involved open dialogue, drawing from practice, in key identified areas which are outlined in the following sections.

1) Animal admissions

Identifying current practice with clients bringing animals • to the centre for rehoming

Clarifying the need for a caring, sensitive approach • from staff, where possible with the use of “quiet/private rooms”, ensuring availability of resources such a drink of water and paper tissues for the client

The need for honesty and clarity from staff when • dealing with the intake of more challenging animals or animals with serious health concerns

Making clear the importance of using the client’s name, • the animal’s name and giving our own name to give a more personal touch

The need to not have pre-conceived ideas or negative • thoughts about why a person is having to part with an animal

Practical communication skills enabling gathering as • much accurate information about the animal as possible and clear explanation of The Blue Cross rehoming process to the client

Above: Centre staff play a vital role in observing animal behaviour

thE BLuE CROSSw w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 13

2) Which animals are euthansed and why?

This is not an easy question to answer as all animals are individual and every case is different, with many factors to consider. The main areas I covered were:

Medical conditions on veterinary advice•

Behaviourally challenging animals•

Animals not coping in the rehoming centre environment•

Blue Cross standard operating procedure (SOP) •

This session involved discussing the options available to centre staff to promote, foster, transfer, rehabilitate and train the animals in Blue Cross care.

3) Identifying animals that may require euthanasia

In this part of the workshop I talked through the vital role all staff play when it comes to observing animal behaviour and getting an accurate assessment in place on the animal in question. Honesty and good team communication, supportive management teams and good internal processes for communicating euthanasia decisions are all essential.

4) Planning for and arranging euthanasia

I outlined why at Tiverton we have identified that carrying out as many euthanasias as possible at our local veterinary practice and not on site is the preferred option. From my professional perspective this practice has been of huge benefit in facilitation of a smooth euthanasia process.

The benefits of off-site euthanasia include:

The animal is euthanased away from the centre thus • reducing negative associations for centre staff

The staff member assisting with the euthanasia • has increased time to prepare for and recover from the euthanasia

The veterinary staff at the surgery are at hand to • restrain the animal and raise the vein, leaving staff free to offer comfort to the animal

The animal’s remains can be dealt with promptly and • appropriately after the euthanasia has occurred

Centre activities can carry on as normal with minimal • impact on the team by what is happening

No other centre animals are affected by the euthanasia • – in regard to scent or noises

In the event of a problem during euthanasia the • veterinary team is there to take control and deal with it more effectively than is possible with a centre-based euthanasia

5) The actual process of euthanasia

The process of euthanasia from preparation to administration of the lethal drug and events that take place during and after the animal’s peaceful death was clearly

explained with time for questions and discussion of any arising issues of concern.

6) Support for staff

This section explored how managers and all team members can offer support to each other and covered the following topics:

The importance of transparency and clear • communication during the process of decision-making regarding a euthanasia

The role and function of the Pet Bereavement Support • Service (PBSS), incorporating details of resources such as the small information cards, leaflets and posters

The need to give staff time to recover after involvement • in companion animal euthanasia

The importance of staff having the option of not being • present at the euthanasia of a centre animal

Identification of signs of stress in staff, the role of • allowing staff time to talk before and after the event if it is needed, and looking at how individual people cope with professional experiences of grief

ConclusionThe workshop was very well received by all the team and opened up discussion on what is the most professionally challenging aspect of a career in animal welfare. Talking about the actual process of euthanasia and what to expect, and enabling greater understanding of how it may affect an individual was an area of particular value for centre staff – especially new team members who had no or limited experiences of euthanasia before.

Since the workshop the management team at Tiverton has made real efforts to be transparent in decision-making, to be consultative and to allow time for staff members’ emotional recovery after euthanasia of a centre animal. Active listening skills are constantly being developed. Pet loss support is therefore a dynamic process developing and expanding all of the time. A colleague and I are centre pet loss support coordinators at Tiverton and are available to talk with and listen to both staff and clients alike who have been affected by pet loss. PBSS literature is readily available and displayed in all areas.

Pet loss support is an integral part of my professional life. At a personal level I am hoping in the future to become more involved with the PBSS by developing my skills and becoming a centre cascade trainer delivering further training in PLS to centre team members, and training to become a PBSS volunteer.

T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 014 • RESEARch fOCuS

Alison Reynolds looks at the benefits and limitations of companion animal interventions in prison and offender rehabilitation settings.

Pets in prisons

Whilst the development of specific animal-assisted therapy programmes is a relatively new intervention in the prison setting (Furst, 2006), the idea of companion animals being associated with prisons is not – most people are familiar with the story of Robert Stroud, for example, the so-called “Birdman of Alcatraz”, who cared for the birds that flew onto the island (Strimple, 2003; Furst, 2006).

The first formal programme to utilise animals for the benefit of inmates was at the maximum-security Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane (now the Oakwood Forensic Centre) in Ohio (Strimple, 2003). Here inmates, who were usually uncooperative and unresponsive, coordinated a programme between them to hide and care for an injured wild bird. The resulting animal-assisted programme ran for several years and was evaluated by comparing several outcomes with patients on a unit without the presence of animals. In a year-long study, it was found that patients who interacted with animals

required half the levels of medication, had a reduced incidence of violence and made no attempts at suicide (compared to eight in the group who had no access to animal contact).

It is difficult to access many of the research papers in this field and one thing that all authors agree on is that there is a general lack of empirical studies which support the suggested benefits of including companion animals in the prison setting (Janssen, 2001; Furst, 2006; Fournier et al. 2007; Sprinkle, 2008; Stetina et al. 2009). Stetina et al. (2009) suggest that this is not necessarily due to a lack of programmes but due to the relatively few attempts by prisons to evaluate their programmes. Furst (2006) proposes that the most rigorous research has been conducted on the Wild Mustang Programme in New Mexico, which operated between 1988 and 1992, in which offenders rescued and tamed wild mustangs – which were then sold on to the local community.

Alison Reynolds BSc (Hons) MSc VN PGCE

Above: The main species involved in US programmes is the domestic dog

w w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 15RESEARch fOCuS

Selection criteriaSelection criteria for entry into animal-assisted prison programmes do vary, but it is commonly noted that the majority of programmes do not randomly assign participants to programmes; many have strict eligibility criteria and many also often have active exclusion criteria, usually based on the offenders’ histories eg of animal abuse and the nature of the offenders’ convictions (Furst, 2006). However, this is not always the case and those with a violent history, including violence towards animals, may arguably be just the populations to benefit from such an intervention (Harbolt and Ward, 2001).

Fournier et al. (2007) suggest that with incarceration rates at an all-time high in the USA, in addition to the high prevalence of mental illness (15% compared to 2–3% in the normal population), plus the fact that 95% of prisoners are released back into the community, it is more important than ever that successful and effective rehabilitation programmes are developed, introduced and evaluated. However, the same authors suggest that this conflicts with the reality by suggesting that the role of prisons has changed from centres of rehabilitation to centres of containment, leading to a reduction in psychological treatment and rehabilitation programmes in prison settings. They suggest that only one-third of offenders receive appropriate treatment to address psychosocial deficits, particularly poor social skills and emotional regulation.

Furst (2006) further argues that prison programmes utilise animal-assisted therapy differently from other populations, in that prisoners are often involved in working with or training the animals. The author claims that animals are not present primarily for therapeutic benefit of the inmates, that they are not used in conjunction with clinical methods, nor do they have a psychological counselling component. This seems to contradict both of Furst’s own reports in the same paper (2006) and those of other authors.

Types of programmesJanssen (2001) suggests a number of conditions or requirements that need to be met in order to successfully integrate animals into prison settings. These include: availability of appropriate and sufficient space; hygiene considerations; and appropriate inmate populations, with appropriate exclusion criteria in place and sufficient time being served by the participants so that the programmes achieve effective outcomes – particularly where a vocational training component forms part of the programme.

Furst’s review (2006) is a comprehensive attempt to measure the extent to which prison programmes include companion animals in the USA. She received a very high response rate to her survey, with over 90% of states returning her questionnaire. From her results,

she identified seven different programme types, operating in nearly 80% of US states. The most common programme type was referred to as the “community service model”, that is, whereby prisoners are involved in the rehabilitation, socialisation or training of animals obtained from local shelters. These animals are then adopted back out to the community, sometimes as assistance animals. The main species involved in US programmes is the domestic dog, with cattle and horses also being popular choices. This reflects the historical development of animal-assisted interventions in prisons, many of which developed out of farms associated with the prisons alongside the more recent programme type, involving the training and rehabilitation of abused and abandoned shelter dogs. Programmes varied greatly in size, ranging from 5–70 participants, with the average number of participants being 21 and the majority of programmes having been established relatively recently since 2000. Several authors agree that programmes are more likely to include male than female participants and this is reflected in any studies that have taken place (Furst, 2006; Fournier et al. 2007; Sprinkle, 2008) despite the fact that one of the earliest and most well-known animal-assisted programmes was in a female high security setting, the Purdy Treatment Centre for Women, in Washington (Furst, 2006).

Left & below: Historically, many AAT programmes developed out of farms associated with the prisons

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Above, right & below: The benefits of animal-assisted interventions for inmates can include increased social skills, plus a reduction in aggression, violence and depression

T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 016 •

BenefitsTypically, the suggested benefits to prison populations from animal-assisted interventions include: increased social skills, particularly in empathy, with a reduction in aggression, violence and depression (Strimple, 2003; Stetina et al. 2009)

Stetina et al. (2009) evaluated changes in emotional competence of 28 adult male offenders aged between 19 and 50 years of age, following weekly dog-assisted training, as part of an overall therapy treatment package. They compared the results to two control groups, one receiving no extra training/intervention, the other receiving a work-related rehabilitation programme. They found an increased acceptance of emotions, emotional regulation and self-control; less exhaustion and aggression, and more optimism. However, the authors don’t specify how long the programme was carried out for and so the persistence of effect can’t be measured.

Other benefits to inmates include some form of vocational training, sometimes leading to certification and increased opportunities for employment once released (Furst, 2006).

There are also benefits to the prison system itself from implementing animal-assisted programmes. These include positive perceptions of the provision of innovative treatments, with or without additional vocational components, which can improve employment opportunities post-release; a potential source of revenue; and to foster positive community relations (Furst, 2006).

Animal-assisted interventions in violence preventionAnother major use of companion animal interventions for such populations is in the field of violence prevention, or in (particularly young) offender rehabilitation (Harbolt and Ward, 2001; Sprinkle, 2008). Sprinkle (2008) gives a stark view of the prevalence of youth homicide in American society, identifying that nearly a quarter of all deaths in young people aged between five and 24 years of age are as a result of homicide, twice that of other industrialised nations. Since a significant proportion of violent and aggressive encounters occur within the school system, schools-based programmes are often advocated as effective ways of reducing or preventing the formation of violence or aggressive attitudes, beliefs or behaviours; particularly noteworthy are lack of empathy and a history of childhood abuse of animals.

Effects on the animalsIn the only paper found which studied the effects of a prison programme on the welfare of the animals involved, Hennessy e. al. (2006) compared the behavioural and hormonal responses of shelter dogs that were placed in

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Right: There are also benefits to the prison system itself from implementing animal-assisted programmes

w w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 17

a prison socialisation programme, with those from dogs maintained under normal holding conditions at the shelter. A total of 26 dogs were used in a three-week study and lived with and were trained by prisoners. Baseline measures of stress-related hormones (particularly ACTH and cortisol concentrations) were taken from both groups of dogs, along with behavioural responses to commands and novel situations. At post-test, the dogs trained by the prisoners responded well to commands and showed lower levels of excitability (though higher levels of displacement behaviours, such as yawning) in novel situations than the control (shelter) dogs. The results on ACTH and cortisol secretions didn’t differ between groups and, overall, the results are complex and difficult to interpret. Generally, the authors suggest that dogs residing with inmates in the prison setting benefit from extensive socialisation and opportunities for training; however, time in the shelter before going into the study varied from between eight and 63 days, which obviously limits interpretation of the attributable effects of the prison socialisation programme.

LimitationsThe majority of studies which have been carried out have tended to follow a pre-post design and are largely quasi-experimental in nature (participants are not randomly assigned). This design unarguably severely undermines the scientific validity of any studies (Furst, 2006; Fournier et al. 2007; Sprinkle, 2008), as there may be inherent issues of bias in the selection criteria and also often no long-term evaluation of the persistence of effects (Sprinkle, 2008). However, authors agree that future random assignment of participants is highly unlikely ever to be permitted, due to the perceived risk factors involved, particularly for the animals.

Post-test results must also be carefully interpreted, particularly in light of other time-related factors; for example, being nearer to the time of release from prison at the time of post-study testing can bias results, as can being further into a school term, so that pupils’ anxiety levels are naturally lower (as in Sprinkle’s study, 2008).

Fournier et al. (2007) also suggest that current overall outcome measures may be inappropriate due to these flaws in study design. They criticise the evaluation of programme efficacy and suggest that estimates of current programmes’ effectiveness may be based more on the success of the outcome for the animal, (eg adoption rates in the community, or success in assistance animal training) rather than the outcomes for the inmate/s involved in the programme.

ReferencesFournier, A. K., Geller, E. S. and Fortney, E. V. 2007. Human-animal interaction in a prison setting: Impact on criminal behaviour, treatment progress and social skills. Behaviour and Social Issues 16: 89-105.

Furst, G. 2006. Prison-based animal programmes: A national survey. The Prison Journal 86(4): 407-430.

Harbolt, T. and Ward, T. H. 2001. Teaming incarcerated youth with shelter dogs for a second chance. Society & Animals 9(2): 177-182.

Hennessy, M. B., Morris, A. and Linden, F. 2006. Evaluation of the effects of a socialisation programme in a prison on behaviour and pituitary-adrenal hormone levels of shelter dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 99: 157-171.

Janssen, J. 2001. If you get to know people, you learn to love animals: Working with pets in prison. ISAZ Newsletter 22: 2-9.

Sprinkle, J. E. 2008. Animals, empathy and violence: Can animals be used to convey principles of prosocial behaviour to children? Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice 6(1): 47-58.

Stetina, B. U., Kuchta, B., Gindl, B., Maman, T. L., Handlos, U., Werdenich, W. and Kryspin-Exner, I. 2009. Changes in emotional competences of drug offenders during dog-assisted group training (MTI). Journal of Veterinary Behaviour 4(2): 99-100.

Strimple, E. O. 2003. A history of prison inmate-animal interaction programmes. American Behavioral Scientist 47(1): 70-78.

T h e S C A S J o u r n a l S p r i n g 2 0 1 018 •

Making the Rounds with Oscar by Dr David Dosa

This is the extraordinary – and true – story of a cat with a remarkable gift. During the summer of 2007 Oscar the cat made headlines around the world. Why? Because he knows when the patients in the Rhode Island hospice where he lives are going to die. Oscar curls up on their beds, keeps them company and enables the families to be with their loved ones at the end.

Dr David Dosa’s job is to respond to people’s medical needs, treat

them for their ailments and communicate with their families. Oscar takes care of

the rest. He is a steady companion and, because of him, patients don’t die alone. Can a cat really predict death? Is he smelling something or responding to behavioural clues? Is he helping guide souls to heaven? Oscar’s warm and profound story is heartfelt, sometimes even funny, but always inspiring.

Published by Headline Review, RRP £12.99

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz As an unabashed dog lover, Alexandra Horowitz is naturally curious about what her dog thinks and what she knows. As a cognitive scientist she is intent on understanding the minds of animals who cannot say what they know or feel.

This is a fresh look at the world of dogs – from the dog’s point of view. The book introduces the reader to the science of the dog – their perceptual and cognitive abilities – and uses that introduction to draw a picture of what it might be like to be a dog. It answers questions no other dog book can, such as: What is a dog’s sense of time? Does she miss me? Want friends? Know when she’s been bad?

Horowitz’s journey, and the insights she uncovered from studying her own dog, Pumpernickel, allowed her to understand her dog better, and appreciate her more through that understanding. The reader will be able to do the same with their own dog.

Published by Simon & Schuster, RRP: £9.99

Read the extraordinary – and true – story of Oscar, a cat with a remarkable gift. Plus, take a fresh look at the world of dogs …

On the shelf

BOOK REvIEWS

Kate, the Ghost Dog: Coping with the Death of a Pet by Wayne L Wilson (author) and Soud (Illustrator) Aleta knows that animals don’t live forever, but when her dog Kate dies, she can’t believe it. It just feels so unfair! And she doesn’t want to talk about it. She wants to be alone, and she’s really sad and a little angry, too. With the help of her family and friends, Aleta learns to deal with her feelings and comes to be able to remember Kate with happiness. This is a sensitive, beautifully written book designed to help young people cope with their grief over the death of a pet.

Published by Magination Press, RRP: £8.50

w w w. s c a s . o r g . u k • 19

Dates for your diary

WhAt’S ON

CABTSG Study Day

International Donkey Week

4–11 May 2010Exeter, Devonthedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

International Donkey Week is a holiday with a difference – a chance for people to have close contact with donkeys in glorious settings. You can groom, cuddle or just sit and watch the donkeys – a very relaxing and therapeutic experience.

IAHAIO conference

1–4 July 2010Stockholm, Swedenwww.iahaio2010.com

The 12th international IAHAIO conference, People and Animals: For Life is an international forum for spreading scientific results about the positive effects of pets on human health. Visit the website for information on the conference’s aims and programme.

April 7 2010Birmingham, UKwww.cabtsg.org

The theme of this year’s Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CBTSG) study day is “Repetitive behaviours in companion animals” and “regulation of dog trainers and behaviourists”.

EAGALA conference

Assistance Dogs Europe workshop

20–21 May 2010Gent, Belgiumwww.assistancedogseurope.org

This two-day workshop on “Epilepsy and Seizure Dogs” is hosted and organised by HACHIKO, a member of Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu).

Programme details and a registration form can be found on the ADEu website.SCAS

training course

23–26 April 2010 (Part 1) 3–6 September 2010 (Part 2)Oxfordshire, UKwww.scas.org.uk

The SCAS course, Companion animal interventions in therapeutic practice, is an exciting opportunity to learn more about animal-assisted interventions and how to include companion animals in therapeutic practice safely and effectively. Participants must attend both Parts 1 and 2 of the course.

29 September– 1 October 2010Fenwick, Scotlandwww.eagala.org.uk

EAGALA Europe, Middle East & Africa is an affiliate of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, a worldwide non-profit organisation for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning. Find more about the conference and EAGALA on their website.

Get involved with SCASSCAS members play a vital role in furthering the work of the charity and anyone interested in the human-companion animal relationship is encouraged to become a member. For further information about membership, or to find out more about our work, please call 01993 825597, visit www.scas.org.uk or complete the form below.

Please send me further information/contact me about the following (tick all that apply):

SCAS membership SCAS training SCAS publications Pet Bereavement Support Service Submitting an article for the SCAS Journal

Title: Surname: Forenames:

Organisation (if appropriate): Address:

Postcode:

Tel no: Email:

Brief details of enquiry:

Return this coupon to: The SCAS director, SCAS, The Blue Cross, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF

The SCAS JournalThe SCAS Journal is published four times a year. It is a record of happenings and events within human-companion animal bond studies in the UK and overseas. It carries contributions from SCAS members and associates and tries to offer something of interest to every reader – from those who are involved in academic research, to pet owners who wish to know more about how and why we interact with companion animals.

How to submit an articleStudents, established researchers and practitioners are encouraged to submit articles for publication. In particular, SCAS is interested in knowing about programmes, case studies, research, policy development, conference and seminar reports, diary dates and news items, in the following areas:

• The health and social benefits of companion animals

• Children and companion animals

• Older people and companion animals

• Animal-assisted therapy and activities

• Companion animals and housing

• Companion animals in institutions

• Companion animal loss

• Companion animal behaviour – particularly how an understanding thereof can enhance relationships between people and their companion animals

Articles should be submitted in Microsoft Word by email attachment to: info@scas.org.uk. Where appropriate please include photographs in Jpeg format. Alternatively you can contact us at the address below.

The deadline for articles to be included in the next SCAS Journal is Friday 14 May 2010.

Editorial teamEditor: Jo-Ann Fowler

Contributors: Sarah Mash and Alison Reynolds

Production: Karen Hedges

Photo library: Tracey Hawkins

SCASPatronsDr Desmond MorrisRoger Gale MPDr Colin Murray Parkes

PresidentEmeritus Professor RS Anderson

ChairElizabeth Ormerod

DirectorJo-Ann Fowler

For more copies of the Journal or for any information about SCAS, please contact the SCAS director. The views expressed in the SCAS Journal do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the charity as a whole.

The SCAS Journal is free of charge to members and available at a cost of £2.50 to non-members.

THE ScAS JOuRNAL ISSN: 1363-464X

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Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), The Blue Cross, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PFTel: 01993 825597 Fax: 01993 825598Email: info@scas.org.uk Website: www.scas.org.uk

SCAS registered charity number: 1070938. Company registration number: 03535393The Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154).A5613/0310