To: John D.

McClean
From: Shanele Grant, Yvette Mayorga, Joanna Lomibao, Lynn Borth
Subject: Change Fur Good - Report
Date: 03/21/2016

Hello Mr. McLean,

We have developed a report on the results of our research for our project, Change Fur Good; an
initiative to help reduce the number of feral pets in the Greater Toronto Area as well as to
provide therapy animals for those who require them. We believe our research in the categories of
animal statistics, disability services, and service animals has great value and will ultimately be
very useful for helping us advance and complete our project. Following is a summary of our
findings and developments.

Facts & Findings

Based on the journals and articles that our group members found, we believe that there are
specific aspects of our research worth developing on and investigating further. Also, while
gathering important information, we believe our findings provide us with a more informed
approach and brings us a step closer towards the success of Change Fur Good.
Ethotest: A new model to identify (shelter) dogs skills as service animals or adoptable pets:
Ethotest is a recently developed selection method that determines if certain dogs
have the specific skills and assets to be considered for training as a service animal, or
gaging how adoptable a given pet is. The model is able to select dogs capable of
creating a special bond with humans and able to work anywhere and with any human
partner or team; it represents a rapid, inexpensive and coherent method and has been
validated after one (1) year of observation. (Lucid, Bernadbo, Panunzi, Villa, & Mattioli,
2005).
This method has three (3) steps: Step 1 measures how aggressive the animal is
and observes their overall nature. Step 2 is to view the animals behavioural traits and see
how they interact with humans. Finally, Step 3 is to see how animals respond to
commands; they have to be trainable (Lucid et al., 2005).

Influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in

residential care:
The journal article evaluates the effectiveness of AAT towards those who are
inflicted from childhood maltreatment, abuse, negligence or other forms of trauma that
lead to a long-term mental illness.
The procedure involves three stages. After receiving the participants consent and
permission from child protection services, researchers gathered socio-demographic data
including the participants psychological habits and mental illnesses. During the second
stage, the AAT program was implemented at a farm in a span of over 3 months. The
animals involved in the varied greatly; including cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats,
chickens, and pigs. The participants were each allowed to choose an animal during the
study. In the final stage, researchers composed a post-test to reveal the effectiveness of
AAT intervention. (Balluerka, N., Muela, A., Amiano, N., & Caldentey, M. A. 2014)
The results concluded that youths who received AAT positively altered their
perceptions of feeling loved by their current attachment figures, and of being able to trust
them and know that they were available whenever needed. This allows us to conclude
that AAT helps the phase of exploration of the models that underlie the thoughts, feelings
and actions associated with the search for intimate emotional relationships of trust and
security (Balluerka, N., Muela, A., Amiano, N., & Caldentey, M. A. 2014).
Animal companions: Planning and implementing a programme:
In order for the programme to be effective, essential
steps should be scrutinized to ensure welfare and rights on
animals and the facility.
Veterinary involvement is a crucial step in determining
if an animal is well suited to be a therapy pet. Veterinary
practices include animal care and animal selection.
Additionally, animals are placed in programs and situations
that match the animals needs and provide the animal with the
best and healthiest experience.
In terms of the benefits of animal companions, the
article claims that presence of animals reduce workload.
Thomas (1994) found improvements in resident health and a
reduction in the need for psychotropic medication in nursing home residents. (Omerod,
E. 2005)

Analysis
Influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in
residential care:
Based on the study, we expected positive results but we did not expect the results
to be elevated in terms of its values. By implementing the values in the pre-test and posttest of the study, researchers calculated Cohens d which determines the effect size. After
the calculation, they found Cohens d=0.69, meaning that there is a high difference
between two groups. Therefore, the study confirms that implementing the involvement of
AAT is one of the most effective therapeutic methods towards those inflicted with mental
illness.
The study started with 58 participants but decreased to 46 due to outstanding
personal and external reasons. Although the sample size is considered to be a small scale,
we believe the results would be the reflected if the test were to be implemented in a larger
scale because of the exposure of therapy animals and service pets.

Conclusions
Ethotest is a method based on three steps which helps identify potential service
animals. This method is valid and is considered to be easy, affordable and consistent.
Based on the findings on the influence of animal-assisted therapy in residential
homes, the study confirms that AAT is effective to not only the physically impaired, but
also for those in need for psychological healing and individuals living with mental illness.
In terms of animal companions, the article highly emphasizes veterinary
involvement, and stresses the importance of animal health.

Recommendations
Perform EthoTest on all animals coming into our care to measure their trainability
and adoptability
Raise awareness regarding the importance of service and support animals to erase
the stigma surrounding people who require and use them
Follow all veterinary recommendations and have all service animals-in-training
undergo regular checkups
Seek out larger spaces to expand projects capabilities as well as projects scope in
the Greater Toronto Area

Work Cited
Lucid, P., Bernadbo, N., Panunzi, M., Villa, P. D., & Mattioli, M. (2005). Ethotest: A new model
to identify (shelter) dogs skills as service animals or adoptable pets. Applied Animal Behaviour
Science, 95(1-2) 103-122. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2005.04.006
Balluerka, N., Muela, A., Amiano, N., & Caldentey, M. A. (2014). Influence of animal-assisted
therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in residential care. Children and Youth
Services Review, 42, 103-109. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.04.007
Ormerod, E. (2005). Animal companions: Planning and implementing a programme. Working with
Older People, 9(4), 27-30. doi:10.1108/13663666200500068