Mary and Shasta volunteer at CHOP.
If you live in Bucks County, it’s very possible you’ve seen Shasta, a beautiful tan Golden Retriever walking around town with her mom, Mary Varaitis, a Yardley Borough resident and Pennsbury High School alumnae.
According to Varaitis, who adopted Shasta in 2018, her four-legged companion is no ordinary dog. “She’s always been exceptionally affectionate, and well-behaved especially around children. She can sense that one person in a room who is not feeling well or who is upset and will approach that person as if wanting to help.”
As a result, Varaitis knew Shasta would be an ideal therapy dog. Together they started preparing for Shasta’s therapy certification with Alliance for Therapy Dogs, which takes approximately six months to complete. The training included exposing Shasta to people of all ages, races, genders, etc. in a variety of settings to ensure she was comfortable.
Unfortunately, with just one test left to complete, Covid hit, and Shasta had to start her six-month training all over again last year. This time, she attained her certification.
In addition, because Shasta is so kind and loving to children, Varaitis knew she would be a valuable resource to kids at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Therefore, last year, Shasta began training at this hospital.
To become a therapy dog at CHOP she was required to volunteer for six months during visiting hours, learning to relate to patients, understand hospital protocols and privacy issues and be exposed to children with different disabilities. Mom and dog went to CHOP for monthly visits for about two hours each time.
Shasta was ultimately selected to work in the Behavioral Science Department at CHOP, interacting with children and adolescents who have mental and behavioral health issues.
Varaitis explained that she knew all the hard work and training were worthwhile when Shasta visited a child sitting alone in a corner at CHOP. Unbeknown to Varaitis, this child had refused to leave that corner for two weeks prior to their visit. However, when Shasta appeared, that child finally moved out of her comfort zone. Shasta’s presence also put a smile on this child’s face for the first time.
Shasta attends Eagles Huddle up for Autism.
Shasta now visits CHOP patients monthly. Children can either sign up to visit with Shasta, or she can do on-the-spot visits with them. It’s common for Shasta to visit with 12 to 15 patients during each visit.
Shasta often lies in the patients’ beds where they cuddle and pet her, calming them down and putting smiles on their face.
“It makes me happy that we can bring happiness to those in need and make a positive impact on these patients’ lives,” says Varaitis.
But Shasta’s philanthropy didn’t stop there. This past April she and Varaitis attended the Eagles Huddle up for Autism, which raises critical funds for autism research at CHOP. This event, which took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, was a fun-filled day designed for the needs of kids and teens on the autism spectrum and their families.
According to Varaitis, during this fundraiser, Shasta met with about 500 children and adults, who pet her, cuddled with her, and laughed at her antics. “Laughter is the best medicine for everyone, so I’m grateful that Shasta could spread laughter to so many people that day.”
Shasta is available for dog therapy to anyone in Bucks County and beyond. In addition to working with children with behavioral issues, Shasta has worked with ALS patients, seniors, and has come to homes for private visits.
If you or a loved one need some unconditional love and affection from Shasta, contact Varaitis at mvaraitis@celebrity.com. There is no charge for this therapy, but donations are accepted for local dog shelters upon request.