The Animal Hero Award
from the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta
Tangus is an ISSR (International Shiloh Shepherd
Registered) born September 5, 2000. A sweet and gentle companion animal, he is
popular for his tail wagging affection.
He is a born leader who embraces life and has a natural ability to adapt
to almost any situation. Tangus has been described as “a four legged angel who adds joy to the world
with his unconditional Love." He understands and often mirrors your emotions. Note however,
that he expects to be engaged in play and petted by everyone he meets,
form the eldest to the youngest.
This plush coated Shiloh Shepherd partners with
Straja Linder King, Registered Art Therapist, in her workshops and counselling.
He works with clients of all ages and situations including palliative, grief,
mental and emotional stress, self-esteem and relationship issues. Tangus boasts more certifications than Linder King, and his qualifications
are enhanced by his community service visits and volunteer work.
According to John Griffith, the director of
Spiritual Directions, “Tangus brings
another dimension to the caring relationship that is personal, spiritual and
non-verbal. He is more than just a
pet. There is something beautiful in the
way he relates. He is a tangible presence that draws people to him and offers them the gift of acceptance."
Now Tangus is a hero too. Dr. Madeline Rugh nominated Tangus for his therapeutic touch and heroism in protecting her from two black bears. On Saturday, October 22, 2005 the Pet Society of Northern Alberta hosts its ninth annual Heroes’ Dinner which will recognize animals in our community for special acts of devotion and caring. Tangus has been selected as a recipient of this year’s Hero Award.
Despite all his credentials, Tangus‘ favourite pastime is still pressing his nose against the window and quietly watching the sunset.
If you would like to talk to Tangus, e-mail him at Tangus@shaw.ca at the Strawberry Tree Art Studio.
As a therapy dog, Tangus works out of the Strawberry Tree Art Studio, A division of Spiritual Directions
Spiritual Directions is located at 1407 - 10 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1E7
Phone: (403) 210-2802, E-mail: teaching@spiritualdirections.com
Spiritual Directions operates under the auspices of The Community Opportunity Foundation of Alberta
These comments are by Linda McCraken, a charge nurse on duty in the Foothills Hospital Emergency Department one night
when Straja and Tangus attended to a dear friend as she was dying.
"Through the evening, as we all saw Regena's life slip away- it was comforting to everyone to see her beloved companion Tangus at her side. Working all these years in the ultimately, unpredicable, often chaotic environment of the emergency care setting, one night will be set apart from many others. Tangus's presence impacted each and every care giver that passed through our monitored area...yes, unusual to say the least at seeing a dog lying peacefully at the foot of a stretcher...each and every person who passed stopped their hurried pace and paused to comment on what a beautiful animal Tangus was...how attentive and calm he made our whole department."
....... "To make a long story short...the power of an animal's love
and loyalty is almost unprecedented ...a human being can't help but relinquish
all their worries and frustrations of the day when they arrive home to
find their faithful friend peeking through the back gate, tail a-wagging,
and expressing such joy to see their human friend home. We all felt the
same way that night with Tangus, and I'm sure Regena felt comforted by
his presence - though he never made a sound or caused any disruption whatsoever
to her care...he was just there...a loyal companion during her last hours."
"Thank you Tangus...Thank You Straja. You both made
one hectic night in the Foothills Emergency more serene and one many of us will
never forget."
Linda McCracken