Meet Rinka, also known as Dr. Dog, who works with children in Saraswati Kendra, school for children with special needs, in Chennai.
These children face challenges such as learning disabilities, autism and dyslexia, and the school uses the therapy supported by animals to help them develop social and behavioral skills.
When Rink, which is Dr. Dog for two years, fits in the room, children light up with excitement. “Doctor” comes, looks at everyone, walks around and wags the tail. “What is the rinka?” The psychologist asks. “Biscuit,” one student replied. Then comes the watching: “But are healthy biscuits?” “No,” the children replied.
During such moments, children are gently encouraged to speak, learn lessons, communicate and build social skills – all with Rinka as a medium.
Dr. DOG, RNKU | Photo Credit: Akhila Easwarean
As it all started
“First I read that domestic therapy is done in the United States. But this included the use of horses. Where could we get horses in Chennai? So I tried it with my own dog.
One of the first children to try this therapy was a nine -year -old autism that barely spoke. One day he surprised everyone by saying, “Sachine, I had UPMA for breakfast. What did you have?” It was a huge breakthrough for teachers, says Mrs. Krishna.
According to Mrs. Krishhn, Saraswati Kendra was the first place in India, which in 1996 introduced the therapy for pets. The main turnover came in 2001, when Jill Robinson, animal care activist and founder of the Asia Asia Foundation Foundation, a non -profit organization that works in the field of animal care. She taught them how to evaluate dogs for therapy and how to communicate with them. Mrs. Krishna has learned these techniques and has since used therapy assisted animals.
Student plays with Dr. Dogem | Photo Credit: Akhila Easwarean
Screening of “doctors”
Dr. Dog comes 40 minutes a day. Each session has one or two students.
All therapy dogs are saved by Mrs. Krishna. Personally, they evaluate them to make sure they are friendly and calm, features that are important for working with children. “Dogs must be at least two years old,” he says. Only sterilized dogs become “doctors”.
Over the years, many dogs took over the role of Dr. Dog. Some are labradors who are known for their fine nature, while others are mongely. “Mongrely is actually very well kept dogs,” says Mrs. Krishna.
Therapy offered
As Dr. Dog helps children?
Psychologists at school explain that the dog is used as a bridge to teach and encourage children to open up. Dogs are not provided any special training, except for a thorough ensuring that they are healthy and comfortable to be around children.
“For children in the spectrum they suddenly stop talking, we use the doctor to gently encourage them to speak, like saying,” Dr. Dog had knocked rice. What did you have? “, Says S. Niraja, the main psychologist, and adds that dogs are amazing when picking up stimuli, even before someone commands.”
Children are selected for therapy based on their needs and the ability to connect with the dog. Over time, they become more open and some even develop a sense of responsibility for a dog. “Dr. The dog forces them to feel important, as if someone needed them in their lives,” he says. For children with ADHD, who tend to run, therapists say that the dog is tired and wants to sit. So children come and sit next to the dog and calm down in this process.
Mrs. Niraja explains that there is also a gradual shutdown process when it is time to pack therapy. It starts by asking the child gently if “sharing” Dr. Dog with another student. Once they agree, a new child is introduced. “We ensure that the first child still feels important,” he says. They are encouraged to speak together and over time, as the child becomes more comfortable, therapy is gradually closed.
During sessions, children are asked to write about Rink. On Thursday one child wrote: “Rink is a happy dog.” Another wrote: “Rink Best Friend is Maya.” They were all surprised. Maya is another dog in the campus and the child has noticed that they spend time together. Therapists were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic observation of the student.
Tulasi, previous Dr. Dog in Saraswati Kendra | Photo Credit: Akhila Easwarean
Sudeep Kumar Kapalavai, senior consultant in pediatric unity of intensive care in Kanchi Hospital Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital in Chennai, which was part of the pilot project to use pet therapy to facilitate early mobilization of patients, he said dogs can help with emotional stability. “The therapy with a pet can be to a certain extent a mood stabilizer. In fact, we think it can also help at ICU for adults,” he said.
After each meeting in Saraswati Kendra, Rinka often has a small fan club waiting outside with children who eager her to cuddle, greet her or spend a moment with their favorite four -legged doctor.
Published – April 18 2025 23:41 IS IS
