TIMID FORMER SHELTER DOG RECEIVES HEROIC AWARD
Helen Woodward Animal Center Rescue Exemplifies the Power of the Human-Animal Bond…
(Hudson poses at an outreach event, a family photo at the Awards Ceremony, Hudson and Bob at the beach)
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Jul. 20, 2017) – When a small, sick, timid dog arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center in 2008, no one could have predicted what amazing things the Greyhound blend would do, but everyone at the Center knew that he deserved a chance. Nine years later, Hudson has made more than 220 visits to 20 facilities like nursing homes and hospice services in San Diego county, bringing unconditional companionship to people in need like only animals can. On June 30, Hudson was recognized for his life-changing work when the California Veterinary Medical Association presented him with the Animal Hall of Fame Award.
When Hudson was brought into Helen Woodward Animal Center’s adoption center, he was almost two years old, unsocialized, wary toward strangers and other dogs, and had a heartworm infection that would require prolonged and painful treatment. Still, Bob Schultze saw Hudson’s potential and adopted him. Time, training and the love of a great family transformed Hudson into a dog that passed his Canine Good Citizen test in February 2012, was certified for Pet Encounter Therapy in May of 2013 and as of today has made over 220 therapy visits to 20 facilities in San Diego County.
Schultze was inspired to get involved with therapy work after witnessing what a difference it made at the end of his father’s life. “My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and had to live in a secure skilled nursing facility for many years. Towards the end of his life my dad was very ill but still responded to animals even when he did not respond to family or his caregivers. I watched him, during these brief moments, smile and interact happily with the therapy dogs that visited the facility. I knew then that when I retired it would be important for me to help bring the same canine therapy to other seniors,” said Schultze.
Robin Cohen, who has managed the Pet Encounter Therapy program for 23 years, recounts what working with Hudson and Bob is like, “Skilled nursing facilities, memory care units, the VA Hospital, a school for children that are homeless – Hudson is a star wherever he goes. But he shines the brightest with clients that can’t respond with more than a small touch. Bob will gently lay him next to a client and Hudson will stay still, waiting for a gentle pet but content with just being close. He once was placed in a bed with a man that was in hospice and had not responded in any way for over three weeks. The man’s family asked for Bob to place Hudson next to their father and Hudson stayed quietly for a while and then gently stretched his neck so his head would lie in the man’s hand. Soon the man started to pet and kept petting for the rest of the visit. The family cried to see their loved one respond and was overjoyed to see him find comfort with Hudson.”
“The CVMA Animal Hall of Fame award recognizes and shines a light on the beauty that can come from the human-animal bond. You only need to watch Hudson at his work for a few moments to see why he deserves such a tremendous award. He has a way of healing and reaching out to our clients and in my opinion, Hudson is truly the ambassador of unconditional love,” said Cohen.
Hudson will continue his work in the community with Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pet Encounter Therapy program. If you or someone you know would like to get involved with the program, please contact Robin Cohen at RobinC@animalcenter.org.