Discussion
As we move forward I thought it might be helpful to clarify some of the questions you might have. To accomplish this I asked Ace Mask to address our new requirements and share his interpretation of those requirements that have been Implemented. As we prepare to resume our visits, we need to remind ourselves of a few old rules as well as familiarizing ourselves with new rules necessitated by the pandemic. After a year of isolation and lack of socialization with anyone except a few relatives, a review of proper etiquette and the importance of sensitive verbal interaction with those we visit would be a good idea. Remember that the people we visit have been in isolation too, and probably don’t want to be reminded of their relatives either. Also, a discussion of current politics would not be an advisable conversation starter All vaccinations for dogs must be up to date and must be on file with the Pet Prescription Team organization. Titers will be accepted as proof of vaccination, but neither you nor PPT can accept verbal verification from your dog. Only valid documentation will be accepted and the excuse that your dog ate it will not cut it. As of this date, your dog does not need to be vaccinated for Covid. Research indicates that dogs cannot pass on the virus and any contradiction of this fact is merely a rumor spread by cats. The same goes for injecting your dog with bleach. It doesn’t work and would only kill your dog and delight your cat. Don’t do it. All volunteers must provide PPT with documented proof of vaccination for Covid. DO NOT confuse Covid vaccination with rabies vaccination. If you aren’t certain of the difference between the two, ask your dog. If you fail to provide valid proof of Covid vaccination, you will be suspended and sent home with a note from Krystal to your parents, advising that you be sent to bed without dinner. Before resuming visits, all volunteers must go through an evaluation with their dog with no cost to the volunteer. However, don’t expect that just because it’s free that the evaluation will be easy. Though you won’t be expected to be able to enter Harvard, you and your dog must at least be able to correctly pronounce your names and identify what day it is, among other things. Krystal understands it’s been a long, hard 2020 and some of us might be a bit rusty on therapy dog procedures. However, your dog should be prepared to pass the evaluation without resorting to peeking at another dog’s term paper. Appointments for evaluation will be scheduled by each volunteer at an online portal to be announced. The scheduling process will be made simple enough for a five-year-old to understand, but those unfamiliar with the word “online” are advised to consult their nearest five-year-old. Or their dog. All leaders will have a personal meeting with Krystal to discuss the process for return visitations. Be patient with her. Keep in mind that Krystal has been in isolation with Phil for the past year. One last, important rule to be prepared for is the requirement that ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES DURING VISITATIONS. Only dogs will be exempt from this requirement. Acceptable masks and mask-wearing procedures will be clarified during re-entry evaluation, but proper wearing of masks cannot be over-emphasized. Masks must be worn to cover both mouth AND nose. Members of the public often fail the over-the-nose requirement. Remember that the nose is a veritable breeding ground for germs and mucous and other slimy, oozy muck that we’d rather not describe, so let’s just not go there. Anyone who has reservations about wearing masks should be comforted by the fact that it is no different than protecting your body with a seat belt when you drive your car. Just think of it as a seat belt for your nose to keep it from falling off your face. Some may prefer to think of it as a bra for the nose. Though we may be burdened with a few inconveniences as we resume our visits, let’s keep in mind that it’s better than lying around the house in our PJ’s watching Netflix all day. Oh, and don’t forget that this is the real world we’ll be re-joining, and we’ll be visiting people in person. PLEASE remember that this will not be another one of those zoom meeting, so don’t forget to wear pants. Now, let’s just hope those pants still fit! Welcome back to the world, volunteers!
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