About Erin McCarthy
Pets bring a unique sense of happiness, acceptance, and peace to our lives. Erin and Beck have extended that bond past their own families.
Erin is a 118lb Harlequin Great Dane. She is now 26 months old. She joined Jack and Julie McCarthy’s family at 7 months old and they immediately began training and class work at UVHS. Erin participated in Foundations, Foundations Cont’d, Rally, Agility and Obedience classes. In November 2009 Erin took and passed with flying colors her AKC Good Citizenship Certification and her Therapy Dog International Certification.
Her family recently updated us on how Erin has been doing. “Erin is very intelligent, athletic and loves everyone she meets. She is particularly gentle with children. She is just beginning her career as a Therapy Dog and will most likely be working with people in the Psychiatric Unit of Dartmouth Hitchcock as well as with people recovering from stroke.
Several weeks ago while walking around Lake Kezar, a very large touring van came to a full stop in front of us. A woman jumped out and said “What a beautiful dog”. As Erin nuzzled her she asked if we would bring her to Woodcrest Village to visit. She then opened the large doors on the side of the van. Erin stuck her head in to the delight of the elderly residents of Woodcrest. The timing was perfect, for Erin had just received her tags and ID from TDI. Several days later she was at Woodcrest bringing joy to the residents.
Recently, Erin had to go to DHMC for her Volunteer ID. Julie waited outside the main entrance with Erin while I finished up. A van pulled up and a ramp was lowered. A woman backed a wheelchair out of the van with a young man who appeared to be 19 or 20. He was quadriplegic. The women asked if Erin, who was wearing her red TDI bandana would come over and visit. As Erin approached the wheelchair she sensed that this young man could not reach out to her. She put her nose on the young mans cheek. He broke into a huge smile (which can be difficult for one who is totally paralyzed). His mother said to Julie “That’s the biggest smile I’ve seen on his face in a long, long time.”
Erin goes everywhere with the McCarthy family. She even participated in the New London Hospital Days Parade and represented UVHS. “We live near New London and everyone who sees her asks about her and her name. People always comment on how well behaved she is. This is the result of all the work done at UVHS. It’s not unusual to be walking about town and hear “Hi Erin” then the person will say “I know Erin, but I don’t know you” - end result is that we’ve met a lot of people and made many new friends. Erin was born to bring people joy and we are fortunate to be a part of it.”
Q & A with Erin's Owners, Jack and Julie McCarthy
1. Tell me a bit about your pet therapy work? How long have you been working in the field of pet therapy and what inspired you to get started? Jack and I been involved in therapy dog work for over 12 years. It all started with our beloved Kerry (pictured in Dog Love) when Dick needed to find her a home. Dick knew that Kerry was a special dog as a puppy. She had been rescued from the North Shore Animal League. When Erin came into our lives at 7 months old we knew from experiencing Kerry that she was also a special dog and one who really needed to share her love. All of the training we did with her (18 months worth) was done at the type of facility which the PNP foundation supports. The training classes are an excellent way for these shelters to increase their revenue and make a difference in the community.
2. Tell me a bit about Erin and her important role as a pet therapy dog? Erin works at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH in 4 different patient areas. The program is called ‘Hug a Hound’. She works in Psychiatric 2 East & 2 West, Neurology 5 West, 1 East (very sick and elderly general medicine) and 3 East (very ill and isolation). She brings joy (many smiles), reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and promotes a release of emotions for patients, staff, family members and visitors.
Erin also works at Woodcrest Assisted Living Facility, The Clough Center (skilled nursing) and Reading for Paws (elementary schools). She has also worked (though not recently) at Health South, a Rehab Hospital in Concord NH. Needless to say she is quite busy!
3. Tell me one of your inspirational stories of how Erin helped a person. There is one in the article from the Upper Valley Humane Society above. Another story occurred in the Psychiatric unit at DHMC where the patients are all brought to one room and sit in a large circle. Erin is off lead in the middle of the circle. She goes from one patient to another – in no special order. A nurse brought a disheveled young man into the room who was obviously very depressed. His head was down and there was no eye contact with anyone. The nurse asked John (not his real name) if he could see the dog. At that point he looked up at Erin. She sensed that he wanted to touch her. She came over to him and buried her large head into his chest (a hug in Great Dane language). He bent over her, put his arms around her neck and stroked her. He began to cry. Erin stayed with him for a while and proceeded to visit other patients. Once he was composed, Jack asked him if he had a dog. “I did but I lost my dog, my wife and two children while I was in Afghanistan. You see I’m an Army Ranger and I have done 3 tours over there. They tell me I have a severe case of PTSS (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). “ Erin kept returning to John for more ‘hugs’ and kisses throughout the our time there. She sensed he really needed her. By the end of the session the nurse said, “John, I’ve haven’t seen you smile like that since you’ve been here. Do you think you can keep that smile?” John answered, “only if I can keep the dog!” Erin has an incredible ability to transmit love and caring to those who need it and transform their lives even if it is for a short time.
We have many more stories of Erin’s ability to bring joy and relieve stress with both patients and staff.
4. How long did you live on the Jersey Shore and how are you still connected to NJ? We lived on the Jersey Shore for 23 years and have many wonderful friends there. We also have children and grand children who live on the shore. I personally worked with Dick and Mary on many of the renovations at Purr N’ Pooch in Tinton Falls. My condition for excepting the job was that I was able to spend time with all the ‘clients’ in their environment.
5. What are your words of wisdom/advice for others looking to follow in Erin's paw prints? Lots of love and patience. The training with positive reinforcement takes time (we spent 18 months with Erin). The dogs must pass their Canine Good Citizenship and Therapy Dog International certifications. It is extremely rewarding to see the positive changes in people when your dog makes it happen. As a volunteer, you receive as much or more back from the experience as the people with whom you visit.
