Yellowknife (Feb 01/06) - Those furry creatures with wet noses and wagging tails aren't just your best friend, they can be your psychotherapist, too.

A therapy dog program is starting up in the city, using dogs to help people who might need some company.

Dog trainer Suzanne Tam, left, and dog evaluator Jana Brenton, right, explain how a dog would be evaluated before becoming a member of the therapy dog program offered by St. John Ambulance. "C.C." is a Siberian husky, who belongs to Tam. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Petting a dog can be very relaxing, and can help some people gain confidence while overcoming loneliness, said Ruth Rolfe, executive director of St. John Ambulance in Yellowknife.

"Petting a dog can be great for mental health," she said.

Which is the whole point. Some people become withdrawn because circumstance - physical or mental abuse - made them afraid or wary of other people, Rolfe explained during a meeting held Thursday night at St. John House recruited new volunteers for the program.

Or it may be that old age has taken so many close friends and family over time that a person succumbs to perpetual loneliness.

By introducing a dog that asks for nothing and offers unconditional friendliness, these people can gradually be coaxed into being more forthcoming with people around them.

One of the Yellowknife program co-ordinators, Rolfe said the therapy dog program has been offered nationwide for the past 14 years to help people overcome mental health issues.

The program originally started in Yellowknife in 1999, but dropped off due to low interest from volunteers, Rolfe said.

One of the interested people who attended the meeting was Umesh Sutendra.

He owns a four-year-old Siberian husky named Ram (pronounced "Rom").

"Ram loves all living things, so I thought he would be great for the program," Sutendra said.

Although it was Sutendra's first time being involved with the therapy dog program, he has experience working with other people.

"I volunteered at a soup kitchen for many years, so helping people has always been important to me," Sutendra said.

A dog needs many abilities to be chosen for the program, such as keeping concentrated on the task at hand even while in a crowd of people. A dog's reactions to noises and praise are also important.

Suzanne Tam is a life-long dog lover and has been a certified trainer since September 2005.

She was at the meeting with her six-year-old Siberian husky "C.C." for the demonstration.

Tam believes dogs have it in them to sense when a person is in need.

"The dog must be calm at all times, in all situations," said Rolfe.

Rolfe said everybody treats dogs differently, which the dogs have to adapt to. Some clients tend to squeeze harder than others when handling the dog, while some people may lightly tug at the fur while petting them.

"You never know how a person will react to a dog," she said.

Once the dogs have passed the evaluation, the volunteer must also pass a criminal record check.

Then they start making visits to people.

The Abe Miller Centre and Aven Manor have already shown an interest in using the program.

Rolfe said the visiting hours are flexible, and can be arranged to fit any schedule.

Paula Scott is another potential volunteer who was at the meeting representing her 10-year-old beagle named Huey.

She was turned on to the program by seeing something similar on TV.

"It was some sort of documentary, and it sparked my interest," she said. "I think dogs are really soothing and entertaining."