“I
really missed having a dog,” Ibsen said. “They’re so nice to
have when you’re sick. They’re going to love and care for you
no matter what.”
Three
years ago she got Patches as a puppy.
Ibsen
has spent a lot of time in hospitals over the years dealing
with her medical conditions.
During
that time she has seen how therapy dogs, pets that are used
in hospital settings, ease stress in patients and promote the
healing process.
Patches
has been a great comfort to Ibsen as she has nurtured him from
a puppy and he has nurtured her through illness. In fact, he’s
named after Hunter “Patch” Adams, the famous healing clown who
promoted therapy through humor and pathos. He was portrayed
by comedian Robin Williams in the 1998 film “Patch Adams.”
“When
I was originally diagnosed, the hospital had a Patch Adams Room.
It was the only fun place in the hospital,” Ibsen said.
For
the past 18 months, Ibsen has been sharing the good fortune
of Patches’ companionship with others. At least once a week
she takes Patches to either Chandler Regional Hospital or Mercy
Gilbert Medical Center to provide therapy to patients.
In
the essay Ibsen wrote for her entry in Budge’s contest, she
stated: “Patches is a light and motivation
for me to push on. He became a therapy dog so he could spread
his healing and love to others. Together, we go to hospitals,
and every time Patches enters a hospital room, the patients’
faces light up ... When you talk to Patches, he sits and listens
to you, turning his head from side to side as if he understands
every word you say.”
Patches
was certified as a therapy dog by the Animal Benefit Club of
Arizona, a Phoenix‑based no‑kill sanctuary for abused
and abandoned animals that also provides workshops and training
programs.
The
Animal Benefit Club certification program is for both the dog
and his owner. Ibsen was
required to take a three‑day workshop dealing with the
rules and responsibilities involved in the therapy dog program,
including a written test.
Patches
underwent obedience training and activities that involved wheelchairs,
loud noises,
crowds, other animals and the importance of the “Leave it!”
command, which halts the dog from interfering with food, bandages,
wounds, etc.
“I’ve
never worked with such an expressive dog” said Budge, who staged
a photo shoot with Patches at her studio.
Budge
said the portrait of Patches should be completed by the end
of October.
“We’ll
have this picture forever,” Ibsen said. “There’s no way Patches
can be replaced.”
Reach
the reporter at cmoore@thedesertadvocate.com.
