Our special boy

Andy has always been a specal boy here at Valleygold. But he did not seem to like the show ring and I think Andy knew he was ment for a very different arena. He is co-owned by Mike and Kathy Brunsden and lives with them in Scarsdale NY.  Mike, being retired, has spent hours with Andy and Mike has  found Andy's true calling. Andy is now a Certified Therapy Dog and is doing a great job. He loves helping people and excells at calming those with problems. He and Mike now make regular rounds to help those who can benifit from Andy's calming personality. And as a side job Andy and Mike love to run  5k or 5 mile races in NYC & Westchester County. 

02/28/15 Mike has notified me that Andy has now added visits to returning soldiers children as they return from Afghanistan.

04/01/15 Just an update on Andy, he continues to make many visits. He is now visiting at one hospital and three nursing homes along with visits to two local colleges.

Andy thinking about a show career but not really liking it....

Andy thinking this is a lot more fun.

Whew we need a rest....

Andy is always the hit of the party.

Happy boy.

Always ready for work.

Jansen Hospice Uses Andy in Pet Therapy Program

Eastchester Dog 'Andy' Lifts Hospice Patients' Spirits

One-and-a-half-year-old 'Andy' serves as a pet therapy dog, lifting the spirits of hospice patients. Photo Credit: Contributed

SCARSDALE, N.Y -- Last spring Jansen Hospice welcomed a new, furry friend into their volunteer group – a one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever named "Andy" who visits private homes and nursing homes to lift the spirits of terminally ill patients.

Andy is one of Jansen’s five pet therapy dogs. He was trained as a show dog and later adopted by his owner, Michael Brunsden of Eastchester, after he proved to be too timid for the spotlight. When Brunsden retired from his nursing career and wanted to get involved with Jansen Hospice, he knew Andy would be the perfect volunteer companion and pet therapy dog.

Before visiting any patients, Andy had to get a formal certification required for all pet therapy dogs.

The golden retriever completed a four-month training course to ensure he wouldn’t be startled by loud, clunky medical equipment or become hyperactive around patients. He also passed a final exam in Albany that tested fundamentals learned in training.

Brunsden took a similar mandatory five-week training course required of Jansen Hospice volunteers. It prepared him to face the challenges of hospice care and help patients during such an important time in their lives.

Andy and Brunsden are a team and have visited many people this summer. Brunsden immediately recognized the powerful bond quickly established between Andy and his patients. The dog can transform patients’ bad days into good days, offer warmth and provide comforting, non-judgemental love.

“People open up to dogs," said Brunsden. "They relate to them because they can touch and hold something that’s alive and soft.” 

Andy and the Jansen Hospice pet therapy dogs are examples of different and unique ways volunteers dedicate themselves to the organization. Jansen Hospice always is exploring new ways for volunteers to help out. In fact, Jansen is looking for knitters and crocheters to make blankets that will be passed out in nursing homes this December, adding color and warmth to patients during the holiday season and beyond. 

For volunteer opportunities, contact Laura Hanlon at 914-787-6158.

mike brunsden 13.06.2015 18:34

Update on Andy ,In addition to hospitals nursing homes colleges and patient homes now Andy is visiting at the Mt Vernon library to help kids read.