Animal Assisted Activities - Therapy Dogs
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One of Diehl's whippets began a key role in the hospital in 2003, and a future was solidified. Nysa Hill seeks to nurture and further the amazing animals whose unconditional love and spirit have improved the lives of all they touched.
The right dog can transform sad, lonely or ailing patients into cheerful happy souls. Pain is forgotten as dog and patient hug, touch, play and share affection. Therapy dogs don't have many of the uneasy reactions to hospitals or illness we humans do; they give love and attention unconditionally.
With medical approval, Nysa Hill's Angie Diehl often took her whippet, Maya, to see her mother who was hospitalized for years. Maya brought laughter, licks, comfort and cuddles. She would nuzzle and play on the better days, or just lie quietly, offering warmth and solace on the not-so-good days. Soon, the visits from Maya were eagerly awaited by other patients and staff.
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| Maya shows love and appreciation to WWII Veterans from the US and Europe. |
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| "May I pet her?" other patients would ask. Maya never minded, in fact, she returned affection in spades. The hospital staff mentioned that Maya should become an "Assisted Activities Animal" or "Assisted Therapy" dog, since she had the qualities so well-suited to the work. The sentiment was echoed at the vet's office.
To further the amazing temperament and breeding of animals that are blessed with soundness, health and that special something that stirs souls, the decision to move into this area was a a natural one. We now work with local Delta affiliates to train and certify as many of our dogs as possible for these worthwhile efforts. While not all dogs may be champions in the ring or course, they can be champions of the heart.
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The primary objective of the AAA dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions and wherever else is needed. This is done in a way that increases emotional well being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for the people visited.
Nysa Hill donates to several Animal Assisted Activity organizations as well as training our dogs for AAA work.
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Nysa Hill's Therapy and Charity Work is Dedicated to the Memory of
Stephanie Diehl
WWII Nurse and Lifelong Dog Lover
1920 - 2004
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