Therapy Dogs

Research has found that the use of therapy dogs is beneficial to the physical healing and emotional health of both children and adults. Petting an animal reduces stress. I have witnessed first hand what research has proven. Elderly people in assisted living facilities and nursing homes respond positively to the presence of a dog. Patients who are depressed and interact very little with staff will smile at the sight of a dog visiting the facility. They will reach out to touch it or hug it. Most of the time they will talk to the dog. Dogs tend to revive pleasant memories for them. Sometimes the dog opens an avenue of communication and they will talk about a dog they once had. Often they have had to leave a dog behind in order to move into the facility. They welcome the opportunity for interaction with a dog.

Therapy dogs are now being allowed in hospitals. The emotional state of sick or terminally ill patients improves when they have the opportunity to be visited by a therapy dog. Petting the dog is soothing for them. Interacting with the pet offers them a distraction from the constant thoughts concerning their illness.

Developmentally challenged children respond well to therapy dogs. The dogs offer their love without regard to the child’s physical appearance or disability. A therapy dog can be emotionally healing for abused or troubled children. They can hold the dog or hug the dog and feel love being given back to them.

Some dogs seem to naturally have the calm and friendly disposition necessary to take visiting special needs people and the elderly. There are programs available where an owner and dog can participate in a program and the dog can be certified as a therapy dog. Taking your dog to visit those who are ill, disabled, or elderly and lonely is a very rewarding experience.