Pennsylvania Resident Benefits from Adult Day Services--with His Canine Companion

For the past 22 years, Westminster Village Adult Day Services has enabled residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley to maintain their independence within a social networking environment, regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges. Jim Gier is an example and role model for families as well as individuals who face continued challenges in maintaining a quality of life as they face adversity.

Jim Geir's service dog Tonto is an eager participant in the Westminster Village Adult Day program. ___________________

Jim Gier, a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, experienced a stroke in 2000. For two years after his rehabilitation, he experienced a lack of socialization because of people's reaction to his disabilities. With an urging from a friend who suggested contacting Canine Partners for Life, Jim embarked on a journey to rediscover his abilities and to take charge of his life. With the encouragement of his wife and coach Charlotte, Jim enrolled in an intense program to acquire a therapy dog to help him regain an active lifestyle.

The training consisted of three weeks at the Canine Partners for Life Center, located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. There he was matched up with Tonto, a seizure-alert dog who has become his friend and lifeline. Seizure-alert dogs can sense and notify their human companions of oncoming seizure. Tonto is able to sense marked changes in Jim's behavior, and Tonto responds by circling, by close eye contact, by pawing, and by barking to draw attention that Jim needs help.

Married to Jim for 53 years, Charlotte has taken the task of being sole caregiver for Jim. One day, she recognized the signs of "caregiver burnout" and together, Jim and Charlotte sought the assistance from Lehigh County Adult and Aging Services Case Manager Karen Kelly, who recommended the Westminster Village Adult Day Programs. Every Tuesday, Jim and Tonto attend Townsquare as active participants in the program. It allows Jim to remain social and independent while Charlotte receives a day to renew her energies. The participants and staff have embraced both into their hearts and enjoy the warmth of their companionship. According to Donna Lix, Director for the Westminster Village Adult Day Programs, "Tonto and Jim bring out the best of participants by engaging in activities."

Knowledge is power, and together Jim and Charlotte advocate for physically challenged individuals, and for seizure-alert dogs to have access to all public areas and businesses. They are spokespersons for the "Canine Partners for Life." Currently, there are about 120 service dog training organizations in the United States. Fewer than 20 of these organizations work with seizure-assistant dogs.

The Westminster Village Adult Day Services provides Jim and Tonto the opportunity to regain self-reliance, a strong friendship with others, promotes their potential, and serves as a meeting place to maintain independence.