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Therapy dogs bring comfort to fans, curlers during Scotties

'We’ve been looking forward to (the therapy dogs). I think it just makes everyone feel at ease (such as members of Team Quebec). Who doesn’t like to have that experience?' said events manager Marcy Hrechkosy.

Lola the labradoodle and other therapy dogs received plenty of attention while wandering through Mosaic Place, stopping often to be petted and offering comfort to anyone in need.

The five K9s and their handlers were at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on Feb. 17 on behalf of St. John Ambulance. The therapy teams made their way throughout the building, making stops in the HeartStop Lounge and even visiting some of the curling teams. All five therapy teams remained at the tournament for the week.

The organization reached out to the Scotties’ organizers about having a presence at the tournament, explained events manager Marcy Hrechkosy. Since she has dogs of her own, when she received the call, Hrechkosy was fully supportive of inviting the teams.

“The fact I could make an email folder that said ‘dogs,’ I was very excited,” she said, adding with a laugh that she wanted to keep the animals to herself in her office. “We’ve been looking forward to them. I think it just makes everyone feel at ease (such as members of Team Quebec). Who doesn’t like to have that experience?”

One reason for bringing the therapy dog teams was St. John Ambulance wanted people to know it offered this service and can bring it to anyplace, said Hrechkosy. She pointed out the animals have a calming effect and help people reset their focus if they are nervous or anxious.

“I’m happy to have them here and meeting with the fans,” she added.

Dog handler Tracy Sabo has lived in Moose Jaw for 10 years. She uses Lola as a service dog to assist her with her balance since she has fibromyalgia. Lola can also pick up items that Sabo drops and is unable to grab herself. The duo has worked as a therapy team with St. John Ambulance since 2016.

“I like the organization. It’s been around for a long time. I thought it would be a nice thing to do (to join), and I’m retired,” Sabo explained. “(Lola’s) my service dog, so I get to volunteer. She’s also children-accredited, so I can work with children as well, so it’s good.

“And I think it’s very worthwhile,” Sabo continued, “(because) in Saskatoon especially, there’s a lot of research being done with therapy.”

Lola wears either a service vest or a vest and bandana while in public. The vest tells people that she is working and should not be bothered, while the bandana indicates she can be approached and petted. Sabo noted this allows her to educate the public — especially children — what the differences are when Lola wears each piece of clothing.

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can’t have their dogs bothered at all, but Sabo noted she has the time to speak with people about the differences. Sabo will give Lola the command of “greet,” which tells the dog it is OK to approach others or that it is OK to be petted.

Lola is six years old and can work for another three years. Sabo is training the dog’s nephew to take over. It takes two years to properly train a service dog.

St. John Ambulance is a good organization since it vets its volunteers, Sabo continued. The dogs have to be tested first, while the handler and dog have to have at least 60 hours or one year of experience with the organization before they can work with kids.

“You can’t just go walk in willy-nilly and go, ‘I have a dog,’” she added.

Sabo encouraged people to sign up with St. John Ambulance and become a volunteer since the organization needs such support.

In Moose Jaw, St. John Ambulance can be found at 2-15 Lancaster Road, or by calling 306-692-1600.

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