Therapy dog offers new mindsets and many smiles

Jun. 7--Dogs and people have long been Becca Aston's passions.

But combining the two into one mission seemed like an unlikely dream until just recently.

With eleven rescues at home, Aston has been caring for, training and loving dogs her entire life. But looking around Aberdeen, she found she didn't see many of her four-legged friends out in the community. So she set about to change that, in some fashion.

"I want to bring more awareness to this town that not all dogs are bad and this is something the town needs," she said.

Aston was already training and socializing her puppy, Kuma, when she decided to take the leap and introduce her to the community as a therapy dog. Now, there's a waiting list for her free services.

Kuma is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a nationwide organization that offers testing, certification, registration, support and insurance for therapy dogs. These specially trained dogs offer people a joyful respite in places that need it most, such as hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes and other facilities.

"It's volunteer but it's the best thing ever. It's the best thing I do," she said. "(My husband) sees how it's changed me, too. Now that I'm out and about, it's changed my whole psyche."

Aston has worked as a registered nurse for 17 years because, she said, she loves taking care of people. She began her new journey with Kuma by bringing her into work at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, mainly for the staff's benefit. Aston quickly found that combining her job with her hobby gave her something she didn't even know she'd been looking for.

"If we can bring even the smallest amount of joy, a smile, or a touch to a person we are visiting, then we have done our job," she said. "There have been many times in my nursing career when I have been taking care of patients and wish there was a therapy dog available to help calm the patient and family."

Aston describes herself as "optimistically happy." And that comes through emphatically when she speaks, especially on the topic of helping others.

But like everyone, she has been through rough times, too. Aston knows firsthand what simply sitting next to a dog can do for a person's wellbeing, whether they're ill, depressed or anxious. Being around dogs has always been a form of healing for Aston -- and that's what she wants to spread in the community.

"Dogs were a huge comfort for me," she said. "I feel like I'm the one who benefits the most because it's therapy for me, too. Just being able to share my love of dogs and how much my dogs love people and love to make people happy. It's just a neat thing to watch."

Kuma is an Akita, a breed with a stigma akin to the American Pit Bull, which Aston is trying to change. Just like people, all dogs have their own personalities, likes and dislikes, and idiosyncrasies, Aston said. The trick is finding the right temperament; every dog behaves on a case by case basis.

"(Kuma is) a gentle giant. She's very, very friendly, loves people, loves little kids. I chose her because people gravitate toward her," she said. "She has a very calm nature and everyone describes her as a big teddy bear. People want to put their fingers in her fur. She loves that and that's something you look for because people are going to want to touch your dog."

Along with Sanford, Aston and Kuma have visited Aspire, Aberdeen Health & Rehab, Safe Harbor, Journey Home and Northwestern Area School. Time and again Aston watches as faces, even those that are the most downcast, light up when Kuma enters a room.

"I've yet to pass one person who has not passed us and smiled. Even if they say they aren't a dog person. (Dogs) just bring joy and happiness. They're comforting. They decrease people's anxieties," she said.

Aston is just getting started toward making the Hub City more dog-friendly with help from the Brown County Pet Rescue League, of which she's a part. She hopes to get Kuma involved with K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library, the Boys & Girls Club of Aberdeen and more school systems in the future.

Aston also wants to increase the numbers of places where dogs are permitted around town through education, training and exposure. Soon, she'll begin offering courses either at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center or privately. This winter she'll start working toward becoming a certified therapy dog tester through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, all with the intention of making Aberdeen and surrounding communities better places to live.

"I have the time, I have the passion and if I don't do it now I'll regret it," she said. "I prayed about it for a good year. I was really searching for something for myself and my dogs that would be fulfilling for both of us."

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