The Importance of Therapy Dogs

Over the years researchers have found that using animals in therapy has helped their Patients or Residents significantly. Some facilities have house dogs that live there and are utilized when needed, while other places have visiting therapy dogs. Either way there is going to be a positive response from the clients.

The versatility of therapy dogs makes it possible for them to be utilized in multiple types of therapy. Examples of these would be:

• Speech Therapy - talking or giving the dogs commands
• Physical Therapy - walking the dogs, throwing balls, or brushing
• Residents with difficulty communicating show increased signs of interaction when dealing with a therapy dog.
• Helping Alzheimers patients with distracting them and easing aggitation. Also, they help to break the sense of social isolation by listening to the patient even if it is a rambling, repeating story.
• Therapy dogs have helped reduce stress and anxiety by showing unconditional love for all.

The above listed examples are just a fragment of what positive affects a therapy dog can have. For anyone who handles a therapy dog I would like to thank you for your service to all of those whose lives you made a little brighter by your visits. Too many times it is overlooked what kind of time and dedication it took to recieve the Therapy Dog Certification.

I personally work with Seniors and bring my german shepherd with me to work sometimes and the response if overwhelming. I visit an assisted living facility with her and the smiles she puts on their faces are priceless. My office is located in a Senior independant apartment building and when the dog is in we get lots of visitors. Especially people who used to have dogs and don't anymore. She is spoiled rotten there. One of my Residents who doesn't have a dog has my dog trained to go to his apartment door to get a treat and then return to the office.

Something as small as a visit from a dog can make a huge difference to someone who can't for one reason or another have one. If you think your dog could make a difference in someone elses life, I suggest you check out getting them certified and start volunteering.