Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

Teri Wellbrock 5/8/197:20 AM

*Note from Teri Wellbrock: I see the tremendous benefits of therapy dog work every week in my volunteer efforts with children at a local elementary school. Watching children interact with our Pet Partners registered therapy dog, Sammie, and witnessing the shift in their anxiety levels makes this trauma-warrior's heart smile. What a gift Sammie is to the lives of those experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD symptoms, or just needing some Sammie snuggles to brighten their day.

Therapy dogs are used in a wide variety of environments and circumstances but, broadly speaking, they are dogs whose presence is designed to help alleviate stress, promote feelings of well-being and sometimes help with a process of rehabilitation or healing in humans other than their owners.

Physical contact with dogs has been shown to help relieve anxiety and promote feelings of well-being

(continue reading more of Gemma Johnstone's article here)

Add Comment

Comments (3)

Newest · Oldest · Popular

Laura PinheyMember

Teri Wellbrock posted:
Laura Pinhey posted:
Informative article. Aren't we all fortunate that Elaine Smith and her colleagues persevered in the face of skepticism and ridicule when they brought dogs into the nursing home? Thanks, Teri.
My dear friend works in the mortuary science field and informed me that therapy dogs (animals) are now being utilized to help the bereaved at funeral homes (per the request of the family, obviously). I love it that the power of these sweet animals is being recognized as a healing tool in so many arenas.

I don't think there's any place or situation where dogs can't provide healing and comfort (but I'm biased ).

5/18/1912:12 PM

Teri WellbrockMember

Laura Pinhey posted:
Informative article. Aren't we all fortunate that Elaine Smith and her colleagues persevered in the face of skepticism and ridicule when they brought dogs into the nursing home? Thanks, Teri.

My dear friend works in the mortuary science field and informed me that therapy dogs (animals) are now being utilized to help the bereaved at funeral homes (per the request of the family, obviously). I love it that the power of these sweet animals is being recognized as a healing tool in so many arenas.

5/15/192:08 PM

Laura PinheyMember

Informative article. Aren't we all fortunate that Elaine Smith and her colleagues persevered in the face of skepticism and ridicule when they brought dogs into the nursing home? Thanks, Teri.

5/14/195:25 PM

Skip to main content

Add Comment

Membership Required

Remove From Your Block List

Manage Follow Preferences

Block

Please wait...