TOVA’S MAGIC

Submitted by Keith Smith, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tova is a two-year-old, German Shepherd that volunteers at Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center, a residential treatment center for violent, mentally ill, adolescent males in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She works with teenage males with a significant history of violence and some with a history of animal abuse.

Tova began at Sequoyah when she was four months old. Even at that early age, she was able to sense the residents who had animal abuse issues. She would not let these residents approach unless she was sitting at my side, and I gave them permission to approach. Over time she has allowed some of these residents to gain her trust and to work on their negative history with dogs.

On a typical day, Tova and I arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Her first task of the day is to locate a Frisbee and to head for one of the four lodges, looking for someone who can play.

Her next task is to make sure all the boys are up and moving. If there is a resident who is having trouble getting up, Tova will go into his room and do the best she can to wake the resident.

During the next two hours, Tova goes from lodge-to-lodge with me, completing our rounds. She tries to spend some time in each lodge, participating in morning groups. During this time, the boys go to breakfast in shifts. Often after breakfast, they walk laps in the courtyard; this is one of Tova's favorite times of day because the boys always have time to stop and to throw a Frisbee when they are walking. Tova never misses a chance to play Frisbee.

By 8:30 a.m., the boys are almost always in school. It is now time for Tova to take a thirty-minute break.

When we return to work, Tova performs a variety of tasks. She may go to a classroom and stay while the residents work, or she may be called to a lodge to intervene during a crisis situation. During crisis times, she may sit with a resident who is upset; or she may walk laps with a resident while he regains control. This period of the day is somewhat unpredictable, but Tova always finds a way to interact with the residents and staff in ways that bring a little sunshine to an environment that constantly deals with serious issues.

At 11:30 a.m., the residents start their lunch period in shifts. This, again, provides an opportunity for Frisbee when the boys walk their post-meal laps. Off Tova goes, looking for someone willing to throw.

In the afternoon, after another thirty-minute break, Tova may be used for one-to-one therapy or for a special recreation activity. We often have judges, probation officers, spiritual leaders, people from protection and advocacy, or administrators from the Department of Health or other state agencies who visit. Tova serves as an ambassador, at times, and greets these individuals with warmth and an offer to play Frisbee. Oftentimes residents can earn one-to-one time with Tova as they progress through their program.

Throughout the day, Tova walks up and down the administrative, education, and clinical hallways and stops by the offices of different staff members. Tova visits the staff and therapists and gives encouragement to everyone. She is always ready to receive treats, which gives the staff a warm feeling.  

Another duty includes assisting in a new admission. Tova greets the new residents and their families. Many times coming to a treatment center can be scary. When you have a dog that is willing to sit with you, it can ease some of those fears.

Tova also greets potential new staff and will often sit in on interviews. The interview committee will often make comments about her reaction to the applicants and the applicant's reaction to her.

Every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., Tova attends a meeting of the four lodge managers, where she often gets to rest, and has become a regular part of the group. The lodge managers are responsible for the twenty-four-hour-a-day programming for all residents.

It is often hard to quantify the exact impact of having Tova at Sequoyah. One of the things we have seen, however, is a tendency for less disruptive behavior and often a quicker recovery from negative incidents.

To anyone wishing to have a dog working in an inpatient setting, you can be assured that it will add a wonderful dimension to your program. You have to be committed to the concept and have the support of the administration. The information, training, and support you receive from Delta Society are essential to your success.

Select your dog carefully. Don't forget that at times dogs understand more than we do. Let your dog work its magic. You will enjoy the gratification of having a pet that brings love and companionship to those in need.