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I Had A Dog

by Wes Froese

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1.
I Had a Dog 06:26
Well hello there, who’s this dog come to see me? Come here boy, ain’t you a beauty. You got time to stay and visit for a while? Hang on. I’ll go get some treats, I’m sure you’d like something good to eat, and I’ve got a ball I think you’re gonna like. Did you know? Chorus: Well I had a dog, we were an awesome pair, we wandered through this big old world with barely a care. When I look back now, I think I know what they meant, when they say dogs are man’s best friend. Well I can still see the ball of gold fur in a basket by my front door, and my family all hiding around the corner, watching the whole scene. So I picked her up and I picked out a name and she took a good sniff and thought I smelled okay, and we decided right then and there we’d be a team. So I taught her to fetch, well at least I tried, and she taught me to fill her bowl on time. We both learned what’s best to do outside. She’d love to hear the doorbell ring, and she’d bark so loud your ears would ring. Welcome every guest with a big doggy smile! Chorus I’m looking forward to the day some science gal or guy, can maybe tell me why, they love to stick their nose out the car window. She would jump up on my seat, put all her weight right on my knee, ears pulled back oh feel that cool wind blow. She’d love it in the evening schedule, and we’d all jam up on the couch to veg. She’d find a place to squeeze herself into. And we’d throw her chips, all kinds of food, stuff that dogs think is so very good, cuddle all together, you know, like you should. Chorus And what’s with that stare at suppertime, dogs give you that unblinking eye that says ‘whatever falls you know is mine’. And you tell her ‘this is people food’, and she sits there ignoring you, focused on that bit she hopes, she knows, she’ll find. Chorus I remember the day we got the call, she’d been hit by a car and then run off and, we spent six long days looking everywhere. Finally a guy who’d seen our poster, phoned and said ‘I think I saw her’ in his neighbors backyard and sure enough we found her there. Well she was okay but she had a scar, kinda like mine, over-top my heart. The doctors said I’ll be fine. She was too for a while at least, until it was time to be at peace. Till the day we had to say goodbye. Well thanks for bringing this young dog here, wonderful to meet him and scratch his ear, play a bit of fetch, and give him a treat. Did I tell you I once had a dog? Does me good to see one again. You want to come back anytime, you just feel free. Chorus

about

Humans can feel alone or disconnected for a variety of reasons and animals can be a way to open up lines of communication. The song, I Had A Dog, and accompanying video with lyric sheet are made to encourage conversation between service providers and their clients, teachers and students, or other engaged learners from all walks of life.

This resource can be used by service providers with older adults as a way to encourage conversation, bring about past memories, or uplift mood. Viewers may find comfort from simply hearing the song and watching the video. The resource can also be used across age groups to promote engagement between different age groups, guide discussion about memory loss and long-term care programming, or promote an understanding about the role of relationships with humans and other animals in wellness.

The resource can also be used for educational purposes, whether in a health care setting or a classroom. Topic area suggestions include aging, clinical practice methods, grief and loss, total health care, mental health and problematic substance use, and so much more. This resource promotes strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and ecological perspectives for learning engagement, asking learners to think about the nature of relationships that impact our health and wellbeing.

Sharing the song and video in your workplace with colleagues can also provide the opportunity to explore the potential benefits of animal visits for your organization, your programs, or your daily practices.

Individuals and families can watch the video and listen to the lyrics in their own ways – the possibilities are endless.

If you would like to share how you used this song or would like to learn more about the animal visitation and other animal-assisted approaches please visit our website - www.addictionresearchchair.ca

credits

released April 29, 2016

Music, Composition and Lyrics by: Wes Froese
Chorus accompaniment by: Veterans

Video filmed, edited, and directed by: Steven Espey
Video Featuring: St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program participants, therapy dogs, handlers, residents, staff and volunteers.

This work was funded by a University of Saskatchewan One Health Research Development Grant.

The research project from which the song and video were inspired, titled “Pilot Study: Health Outcomes of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program” was funded by Veterans Affairs Canada

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Research Chair in Substance Abuse Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan Research Chair in Substance Abuse was created in 2007 in a partnership agreement with the provincial government and the U of S. The Research Chair’s mandate is to increase Saskatchewan’s substance abuse research capacity, strengthen the training of addiction workers, and increase the effective use of research resources in substance abuse prevention and treatment. ... more

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