TESTIMONIES

Amélie Druez, psychologist and educational coordinator at La Blanche Fontaine in Thuin,
a residential service for adults, and at L’Épi in Erquelinnes,
a day reception centre for adults

How did you find out about the FCI and the visiting dogs projects?
Word of mouth, through the people of Thuin who had heard of the Gai Séjour initiative (Editor’s note: the FCI has recently arranged such visits to Gai Séjour, a rest and care home in Thuin).

What are your expectations regarding these visits?
Giving our beneficiaries a moment of tenderness and affection, as some of them miss this very much due to the absence or distance of their families.

Which particular groups do you receive at your institutions, and how do you think they can benefit from these visits?
We receive adults of all ages who have slight, moderate or severe intellectual disabilities, sometimes associated with other problems such as autism or mental illness. I hope that these moments can bring them a sense of relaxation and well-being, a few moments of happiness.

There have already been a number of visits; in your professional opinion as a psychologist, can you tell us what you have learned from the experience, what the staff think about it, and what feedback has been given by those who have benefited from the visits?
The smiles on their faces! And the team noticed this also... whatever the disability, even the most serious. They all showed a lot of interest and attention, each in their own way: by look, a gentle touch, stroking, brushing, and even hugs. They want more!

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Julie Dujardin, Educator at l’Épi in Erquelinnes,
a day reception centre for adults

We had extremely positive feedback from the participants at the first session. They were very attentive and engaged. But they were also respectful of the animal. They remained calm and applied the instructions given beforehand. They are eagerly awaiting the next visit. For myself, I was delighted to take part in this project and see the satisfaction and well-being it brought to our beneficiaries. Some of them love animals, but have never had the chance to get close to one. The contact with the animal is therapeutic. It is a most pleasurable break from our heavy schedule at l’Epi. A moment of bonding with the animal, being able to look at it, touch it, stroke it, and then go for a walk.

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• Christine Dufours, who brings the dogs to us!
• These meetings and visits are interesting and rewarding.
• Seeing the enthusiasm, smiles and joy of the residents when they see us arrive gives us real pleasure as well.
• The dogs are not afraid and “play the game” by approaching the people and asking for strokes and cuddles. The dogs are calm and gentle, as if they understand that these individuals need more care and attention.
• As soon as the dogs arrive, the barriers disappear and communication begins... whether it’s verbal or physical (stroking the dog or playing with it).
• For me, this is not a job, quite the opposite: I look forward so much to each session, as it is a genuine pleasure for me to see the beneficiaries of our visits come out of their shells on contact with my dogs - it makes you feel you have achieved something.