The most accepted terms for this field are Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). AAT involves
working with someone when a specific goal has been identified. If you do this as a
volunteer, you will work with a professional who will assist you in selecting goals for
different individuals. AAA are those activities designed to strengthen someone's quality
of life. Usually performed by volunteers, they are generally "meet and greet"
activities.
Meet Golden Trooper For all you folks out there who didn't know, Trooper is the famous boy who starred in the
movie,
Napoleon, an MGM movie shot on location in South Australia and
New Zealand. It tells about a Golden pup who takes off on a
magical journey to the wilds of the Australian Outback.
Darcy just loves the movie, as do we all
This MGM movie tells about a
Golden pup who takes off on a magical journey to the wilds of the Australian Outback. Life
as a housepet isn't much fun for young Muffin, a puppy who dreams of being a "wild
dog."
So when he gets his chance to escape in a helium balloon-powered basket, the
pup hops on board, changes his name to Napoleon and sets off on his adventure. He meets
some special friends who help him as he learns more about the world and himself than he
ever thought possible.
Local pair share lead role in new Aussie
movie
LOCAL pooches Trooper and Kaleb are heading for the big time. They star in the $4
million film, Napoleon, shot on location in South Australia and New Zealand and now being
released. Both dogs play the lead part of Napoleon, a frustrated Golden Retriever who
knows he's not cut out for a comfortable city life. Instead, he sets off for the outback
and a series of wild and wonderful adventures, including a memorable trip in a hot-air
balloon. Trooper is owned by Eden Hill's Lillian Robinson, while Kaleb belongs to Jane
Dooly, of Bassendean. They were the only two dogs from WA to feature in the movie.
Meet Andy who lives in Perth, Western Australia with his 4-year-old Golden boy, Trooper.
Trooper, this adorable
pup here, grew into the handsome lad pictured below. Andy's family got their wonderful boy
Trooper from Lillian, a family friend. He is the best thing that has happened to their
lives, and has opened up their hearts. His love is so unconditional. He loves the special
time Andy's family spends together in the garden when he is eating his supper. Night time
is another ritual Trooper enjoys. All have a hug, and then Trooper hops into the bed ---
in the middle of course!
Trooper is a very special boy! Recently
(January 1999), Andy's family was very lucky as Trooper was able to warn them that
something was very wrong. Andy had just had a stroke and collapsed. But, Troops actually
ran into the house and alerted the family that something was wrong. Andy was first treated
at the Royal Perth Hospital, but is now recovering at a rehabilitation center where he
will have to remain until sometime in May.
Andy is in fact a young man, but he had a
brain tumor a couple of years ago, and never fully recovered from that, his speech and
balance still affected. Now, due to the stroke, he will need to be in a wheelchair. Before
the family got Trooper, Andy had spent six months in his room. But, Trooper has changed
his life, and that of Andy's parents as well. Now, Andy has become social
again and has so much confidence when Trooper is beside him.
Being such wonderful buddies, Trooper and
Andy were very much missing each other. With lots of encouragement from many Golden lovers
across the world, Trooper was allowed to visit with Andy at the rehabilitation hospital.
And, he has worked wonders. Just look at how happy Andy looks in the picture above with
Trooper. This was a picture that was actually taken at the hospital when these two buddies
were reunited.
There are many patients at this same hospital who could benefit from the healing powers of
this amazing Golden Therapy Dog. So, the hospital has now welcomed Trooper visiting on a
daily basis. They take patients out into the connecting gardens in wheelchairs and even
hospital beds to interact with Trooper. He has, of course, become a big hit. And, Lillian
says he is so very good and gentle. Laying on the grass in these gardens, he allowed two
little birds to come very close to him. Then, he merely watched as they merrily ate crumbs
from some cake.
Recently, Trooper has helped another young
man at this same hospital. Although only 19 years of age, Clinton is terminally ill with
Muscular Dystrophy. Well, he was so scared of dogs before meeting Trooper. So, Trooper was
very wise and took his time. Soon, he let this new friend know that he was just a perfect
dog, and certainly okay to stroke. And, by the end of the visit, Clinton was merrily
stroking Trooper and laughing at him.