Sometimes the inspiration for the next step in life is right under our nose. Literally, in John Trigg's case.
At his home in North Vancouver, the retired naval engineer can be found in his easy chair, The Times crossword and a stack of books within reach. Stretched out at his feet snoozes a heap of toffeecoloured fur. Her name is Abigail, known to her legions of friends as Abby.
John's working life began in England during the Second World War. He was 15 in 1940 when he joined the Royal Navy's rigorous apprenticeship program in engineering. He was a sublieutenant (e) at Portsmouth in 1947 when he met and married Billie Sprules, who worked across the harbour at Fleetlands in the Fleet Air Arms aircraft repair and maintenance facility.
"How did we meet? Billie would have loved that question. She would say that she picked me up," says John with a laugh. It's true enough as their first dance together was ladies' choice.
Though the years at sea took John from frigid Arctic waters to the balmy Far East in cruisers, frigates and aircraft carriers, weather was as immaterial as the view in the engine rooms where he toiled. Two years as an adviser to the Turkish navy brought John up on deck during his daily commute by ferry to and from the family's digs. As this was during the Suez Crisis when the sight of a British uniform provoked both approbation and insult, John may have preferred the haven of the engine room.
When John retired from the navy in 1959, he embarked on one landlocked career in England, then another with B.C. Hydro when the Triggs immigrated to North Vancouver in 1968, the first time in all his years at sea that John crossed the Atlantic Ocean. He lives in the Parkgate area now, with six grandchildren and his first great-grandchild (and their parents) nearby.
"When my wife Billie came to the end of her days," says John, "I decided to find something useful for Abby and me to do. Off we went to the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and we've never looked back."
He was correct in believing that Abby's personality would make her a good therapy dog. A mixed breed spaniel, part English cocker and part Cavalier King Charles, she is friendly, gentle and fond of people. A St. John Ambulance therapy dog can be any breed, size, age and weight. The most important criteria for a successful visiting team, human and dog alike, is a good temperament and the ability to remain calm in any situation. Both John and Abby possess these qualities plus a little something extra. Call it empathy.
For six years, John and Abby were regular visitors at a local seniors' residence. "Many people living in seniors' residences never have a visitor, for whatever reason. Just having the dog there will start a conversation with them. Abby seems to have the ability to get close to people.
She greets everyone but she knows who needs the extra attention."
Last year, when John turned 90 and Abby turned 84 (in dog years), they decided to curtail their visiting duties to focus on recruitment and introducing potential candidates to the program.
"I thought my experience as an instructor and trainer in naval engineering would be useful," he says.
Sue Ennis, St. John Ambulance therapy dog unit facilitator, agrees.
"John, with Abby, is our most successful recruiter," says Ennis. "Now he's also my co-facilitator."
The program is open to people and their dogs who want to make a contribution to their community. The demand is growing as the role of the therapy dog expands.
"These dogs have performed miracles with people with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions," says Ennis. "Their calming presence relaxes children with learning disabilities, autism and behavioral conditions. They help students overcome exam anxiety. Wherever stress exists, a dog can help."
For more information about the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, call Sue Ennis at 604-990-1290 or email her at [email protected].
Or, have a chat with John and Abby. They can be found most mornings with a group of two-and four-legged friends enjoying the waterfront at Kings Mill Walk at the foot of Fell Avenue.
Laura Anderson works with and for seniors on the North Shore. 778-279-2275 [email protected]
