A LITTLE PUPPY LOVE

POOCHES PROVIDE SMILES AND LAUGHTER AT NURSING HOMES AND DAY-CARE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED

Special thanks to The Miami Herald

FT. LAUDERDALE July 20, 2005 - David Z. Surasky, a resident of Orange Blossom Manor assisted living facility in Pembroke Park, couldn't help but share his last drops of iced tea with Tenzin, a big yellow Labrador retriever.

After all, the 3-year-old dog, named for the first Dali Lama to visit the western world, was already sharing on a recent Friday with Surasky, 88.

Tenzin, the ''founding dog'' of Share-A-Pet, a nonprofit organization of therapy dogs, and his canine cohort, Shivani, a tiny Westie led by Executive Director Sachin Mayi, brought smiles and laughs to a dozen people gathered in the nursing home's sunny community room.

''Sometimes people are so preoccupied with their troubles. The dogs are a diversion. They liven us up. It's not always easy for people to be friendly, but dogs? They are instantaneous friendship,'' Surasky said.

Mayi, 40, a former aikido instructor from Fort Lauderdale, said he established the organization in 2003 with just himself, Tenzin and a visit to severely disabled kids at the Broward Children's Center. Later, Mayi added cuddly Shivani to provide huggable visits to those confined to beds.

Mayi said he was inspired years ago by frequent visits to his disabled brother in Punta Gorda. When he asked who at the nursing facility did not receive any visitors, he began popping in on them.

He made Share-A-Pet official after a spiritual visit in India ''at the feet of Amma, the hugging saint,'' otherwise known as religious leader Mata Amritanandamayi, a Hindu woman who hugs her devotees.

''She said I would find enlightenment and bliss through serving others. When I came back to the United States, I made it my goal,'' Mayi said.

The program now has a board of directors, a newsletter (called Fetch!), 14 volunteers and 20 dogs serving 13 residential or day-care facilities for the elderly, disabled or special-needs children.

All four-legged friends are trained therapy pets. Red metal hearts dangle from their collars, proving bone-ified certification through Therapy Dogs, based in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Cristiane Barbosa, a physical therapist at Orange Blossom Manor, said the visits always make the residents feel good.

''I had a patient today who was so eager to finish with me and walk to where the pets were. When patients leave me smiling and come back to me smiling, it's a wonderful thing,'' Barbosa said.

Activities Director Gwen Jackson said the pets also provoke lively conversation.

Residents open up and share stories about their pets from the past.

Dorothy Kessman talked about her swimming dog, Archie Bunker, who ate only kosher foods. Tillie Shapiro told tales about her dog Flippy, who now rests in peace in a Jewish dog cemetery.

''Memories -- that's what the dogs give us. They bring back old memories and give us new ones,'' Shapiro said.

The program thrives with help from private donations and a handful of business sponsors, including Animal House Pet Supplies, Art That Works advertising company, and Wild Oats Market.

But Mayi needs more volunteers, pets and sponsors to expand to more facilities.

Anyone can help Share-A-Pet. According to its website, www.shareapet.org, pets must be accompanied by owners, be available for two to four hours a month, and complete the training and testing provided locally by Jana Thomas of Pembroke Pines.

Thomas, a member or officer of five area dog clubs, including the Dog Obedience Club of Hollywood, is credited with helping launch pet therapy programs for Memorial Healthcare System, Broward County Schools and Vitas Hospice of Broward County.

Mayi said volunteers and sponsors get immediate satisfaction.

''I experienced a tremendous amount of love,'' Mayi said. ``It's amazing how much we depend on our pets during emotional times. That's what the people we visit need every day.''

BY EILEEN SOLER