By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
Alexandra Gillispie knows animals have the power to raise the human spirit and engender healing and well being.
In her job as a Vet Assistant she is able to see firsthand the effect that animals have on people, and she is able to experience how animals make the world a better place.
“I am currently in school to be a licensed Veterinary Technician, and I work at an ER/specialty Hospital, as well as a general practice,” Gillispie said. “I have always had a soft spot for animals, and I constantly see the human/animal relationships that people have with their pets.”
Her dog, an American Staffordshire, is called Mira, who is two years old. Gillispie said when she rescued Mira she immediately realized that this dog had the personality to be a therapy dog.
“Mira was abandoned at the vet hospital I work at. She was covered in wounds, had multiple fractures, and was in critical condition,” Gillispie remembered. “I took her home as a foster, but I knew that if she pulled through she would not leave. Every two hours she would get pottied, fed, medicated, and get all her treatments. We continued this day by day until we got to the point where I knew she was going to be okay. She may be covered in scars, have a lazy eye and have a more intense skin treatment than I do, but she’s perfect to me. She’s a little quirky and stubborn, but she loves everyone so much.”
Gillispie knew that she would pursue therapy dog training.
“I trained her myself in obedience, then I contacted Pet Partners last June, and they talked to me first about the training, and then Mira and I trained together,” she explained. “Shortly after, we were able to go out to the hospitals, usually St. Elizabeth in Edgewood and Florence. We have also gone to nursing homes and schools.”
Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati is a community of over 200 volunteer therapy teams dedicated to the sharing of healing power through the human/animal bond throughout the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area. They are partners with the national Pet Partners.
Pet Partners’ goal is to bring healing and joy to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community centers through the trained therapy animal teams. But they need the help of the community to help the organization train more teams. They are a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization, and any donation is tax deductible.
“Mira and I have done more than 50 visits together, and have grown even stronger in our relationship,” said Gillispie. “To be honest, Mira is a bit of an interesting character. She is a very busy girl. She’ll go through, say hi to everyone, then want to move on. However, she seems to sense when someone needs her and she will stay by their side longer.”
She said they spend multiple visits talking to patients or family members who appreciate having a break from what is going on around them.
“I listen to Mira, and follow her lead,” she said. “She usually knows best, and takes us where we need to be in the hospital. Watching the impact that she makes on people’s days brings tears to my eyes.”
Lexi and Mira are in a contest for Pet Partners of the Year. This is a fundraiser for the organization so that they can do more good work for patients. To cast a vote for Lexi and Mira, click here.
“I want to continue sharing Mira’s joy and love to as many people as possible,” Gillispie said. “I know other handlers want to do the same with their pets too!”