Pair of dogs offer warm, loving therapy

Cindy Hval The Spokesman Review. April 27 2006

Dagwood, left, and Darby waiting to show their stuff at a hospice in Spokane. The dogs belong to Skip Partridge. Skip Partridge has trouble speaking. So do his two buddies. But when theyre together, they have no problem making sick residents feel a lot better. Skip was working as a drug and alcohol counselor in 1987 when he had the first of four strokes. A second stroke a year later left him permanently disabled. At 44, he had to learn to walk again. He still suffers from aphasia this means he has difficulty using words. So he enlisted the help of his two friends, Dagwood and Darby they speak the language of warm eyes and wagging tails. Skip and trainer Barb Gordon trained his two dogs to be therapy dogs.

For several years, Skip and his dogs have been visiting area hospitals and schools. The dogs perform an amazing variety of tricks - the most valuable service they provide is the love they lavish on those they visit. Twice a month, they travel to a hospice in Spokane. Darby greets visitors with a warm doggie hug. He leans against their legs and waits for the petting. Staff say these visits are great therapy for the staff as well as the patients. After seeing their friends in the office, Skip and the dogs make home visits. One patient said these visits made living with her illness bearable. At a cancer care centre, Skip and the dogs are welcome in the chemotherapy room. Each week when they enter the room, eyes light up. Skip uses sign language to give commands to Dagwood and Darby. The dogs perform a few of their tricks, even pretending to pray. takes them around the room. Skip and the dogs give patients something to think about besides cancer and chemo. Their visits are a huge gift, said one patient. Not all people are dog lovers. Dagwood and Darby know who will welcome a doggie kiss and who would rather watch from across the room. Then Skip

Skip and his dogs are also favorite guests at a hospital for children. At a recent visit, patients clapped as the dogs found Skips keys and a hidden ball. They took turns tossing the ball for the dogs and each child got a chance to stroke Darbys silky ears. Children who arent able to come to the rec room get bedside visits. When the dogs enter a room, they immediately become the center of attention. Parents, patients and staff get a welcome break from stress. Skips love for his dogs is clear. Theyre immaculately groomed and cared for. He describes them as awesome. As well as this work with Dagwood and Darby, he works part-time as a caregiver for people with profound disabilities. At 63, even after four strokes and a heart attack, Skip continues to maintain his busy pace. When asked why, he haltingly says, I love it. Dogs love it. Through Dagwood and Darby, Skip has found his voice.