D

Marie Vaz and her puppy walked down the hall of the nursing home and stopped in the doorway of a small room. Inside sat an old lady with a care attendant at her side. "Would she like to see my puppy?" Marie decoded to try anyway. In 10 years of helping with animal-assisted therapy, she’d seen even the sickest patients enjoy a visit from a furry friend. Ma­rie carried the puppy over to the old lady. The woman reached out toward the dog! Full of excitement, she began smiling and trying to talk. The attendant watched in amazement. This woman had never communicated with anyone. It was like she wasn’t even alive — until the puppy came to visit

Around the world sick adults and children fill lonely hospital rooms. They may have an illness or need long-term care. A puppy’s friendly eyes and warm paws may be just what the doctor ordered to encourage them and help them heal.

HOW AAT WORKS

The sick and old don’t always get the love and attention they need. They may not look good. And they may feel angry or depressed because they have to stay in a hospital. "But the puppies love them," says Lea Mitchem, an AAT volunteer for more than 13 years. The soft fur of a dog feels safe and enjoyable.

Through monthly visits, therapy dogs put smiles on patients’ faces and help them improve their health. The dogs encourage patients to do their exercises and communicate with those around them. AAT volunteers spend one or two hours a month visiting the same hospital or nursing home.

Some dogs are specially trained to work with physical patients. These dogs become part of an exercise program. Sim­ply brushing a dog or throwing a ball to it can help patients gain strength and practice movements.

A DOG IN A HOSPITAL

How can a “dirty” dog come into a clean hospital? Before dogs see patient, the dogs must see a doctor themselves. The doctor checks each animal. It must lie healthy, clean and enjoy meeting strangers. Many AAT programs also require the dog and the owner to attend special training classes. More and more doctors now understand the benefits of AAT. Research shows that being with the animals lowers a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and stress level. Patients will relax and feel better

AAT COMES TO ASIA

For more than 25 years, organizations in North America have been using dogs to treat people. Now people in Asia are benefiting from the dogs’ “medicine”, too. Dr. Dog is an AAT program that began in Hong Kong. Over 200 dogs visit more than 50 medical facilities in that city alone. And the project has spread to Mainland China and the Philippines.

Around the world AAT dogs are making a difference. Whether they meet physical or emotional needs, they’ re helping people heal. And that’s what being a “doctor” is all about. (from www.nmet168.com)

13. What does the abbreviation “AAT” stand for in the passage?

A. Animal-associated treatment.         B. Animal-assisted therapy.

C. Animal-appreciated treatment.       D. Animal-attention therapy.

14. What can dogs not do for their patients?

A. Lower their blood pressure.          B. Relax their nerves.

C. Help them practise movements.     D. Help them see a doctor.

15. Which of the following started the AAT program — Dr. Dog?

A. Hong Kong.                                 B. Taiwan.

C. The Philippines.                           D. North America.

16. The underlined phrase a furry friend in the first paragraph refers to ________.

A. the dog                                       B. the care attendant

C. Marie Vaz                                   D. the sickest patient

上一页  [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] 下一页