2024-03-01 00:30:00
In November, the IRDPQ welcomed a brand new therapist who did not go unnoticed. Docile, playful and moving on four legs, Ouzo, a new therapy dog, is already unanimously appreciated by his colleagues and patients.
Along with his dog handler Marie-Chantal Picard, Ouzo works every day of the week with children and adolescents at the Institute for Rehabilitation in Physical Deficiency of Quebec (IRDPQ).
His mandate: to be flattered, to play, to take walks or simply to be present during more difficult times for customers. Ouzo has certainly found a dream job.
Marie-Chantal Picard, occupational therapist and dog handler responsible for Ouzo’s mandate, with Alexie Canac-Marquis, who, at the age of 6, benefited from the services of a therapy dog. Catherine Bouchard
The 3-year-old Labernese can help a patient with language problems by responding to his instructions, assist him in his movements or provide him with psychological support by his simple presence.
“We need it to be solid so that it can catch a child if there is a loss of balance,” cites Ms. Picard, who is also an occupational therapist, as an example.
A motivator
Ouzo seems to make the difference in the success of therapies.
“Progress is faster. Its presence ensures that the child really focuses on the dog,” continues Ms. Picard.
Alexie Canac-Marquis, 13, benefited from a therapy dog around the age of 6. She suffers from hemiparesis, a paralysis that can affect the right or left side of the body.
“He helped me a lot to gain confidence in myself. He was my big dog,” she says.
Marie-Chantal Picard, occupational therapist and dog handler responsible for Ouzo’s mandate, with Alexie Canac-Marquis, who, at the age of 6, benefited from the services of a therapy dog. Catherine Bouchard
His mother, Amélie Légaré, confirms that a therapy dog made the difference.
“She was definitely more motivated to do her therapy when it involved Gumbo [un autre chien de thérapie]“, she argues.
Ouzo is the fourth assistance dog at the IRDPQ. Mireille Ouellet, deputy director for the youth component at the IRDPQ, believes that they are part of the success in a patient’s journey.
Mireille Ouellet, deputy director DI-TSA-DI youth component CIUSSS-CN. Catherine Bouchard
“In rehabilitation, it becomes essential because we see the benefit it has for young people,” she explains.
The cost of purchasing Ouzo, trained by Mira, was $35,000. It was the Élan Foundation which enabled its acquisition. He will see approximately 500 patients annually with approximately three therapies per day.
“When you consider the investment, it may seem surprising. With rehabilitation equipment, we rarely ask the question, we know that it is worth it. When it exceeds $30,000, we say to ourselves that these dogs are extraordinary,” observes Annie Gagnon, general director of the Élan Foundation.
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