Therapy dogs and their owners must surely have a special place in God's heart. They generously donate their own together time to help others.
They offer support to those who have none. They offer friendship to those feeling unloved. They give hope to those who feel despair.
Their mere presence alone has been proven to provide positive stimulation to adults and children alike. Nursing home occupants and children isolated by disease are both noticeably more attentive and more responsive in the presence of these dogs. Studies even show that petting a dog can significantly lower blood pressure.
The dogs become a non-judgmental friend, greeting everyone, offering an ear or snuggle to those who need it.
From hospice visits to Reading to Rover, therapy dogs prove daily they are truly Man's Best Friend.
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Elfin Pixie Dust CGC,TDI at work. Being brushed to improve hand/eye coordination.
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Pixie meeting and greeting an elderly resident
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Requirements to be a Therapy Dog vary by organization. The following seem to be fairly universal:
The dog must be at least one year of age.
They must be well trained and reliable, with a calm demeanor.
The dog does not need to be a purebred.
All vaccinations must be current and the dog must be in good health.
Handler's must have good people skills, be compassionate, understanding, and able to improvise in a difficult situation.
Websites for further information:
Delta Society Pet Partners Program
Therapy Dogs International
Therapy Dogs, Inc.
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If you are getting a new puppy and are planning on doing therapy work, it is very important you tell the breeder of your plans. That will allow them to help find the puppy with a personality most suited to what will be required of them.
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Taking a break during the Reading to Rover program.
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