In the News: Therapy Dogs - Helpers of Society

Photo retrieved from The National Capital Therapy Dogs, used via a Creative Commons license.

In today’s society, individuals with special needs and disabilities find the use of a Therapy Dog to be an essential role in their lives.  These four-footed furry animals help in terms of guidance, comfort and companionship. The links provided below, will give an overview of how these animals provide a source of comfort and assistance for each person’s needs.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collections.

Photo retrieved from mediapoondi.com used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Cesar’s Therapy Dogs

http://www.cesar.com/therapydogs/#welcome

This website, acquired by Google, gives users a glimpse of Therapy Dogs and what they have to offer.  Users can read about Cesar dog products commitment to dogs by donating funds to support Therapy Dogs to assist individuals in need.  Additionally, a person can submit their own personal dog therapy story as well.

The Cesar’s Therapy Dogs link above and photo has a video introducing these canine heroes.

Photo provided from Pet Partners, used via a Creative Commons license.

Pet Partners (Find it on ipl2)

http://www.petpartners.org/

This website provides links and resources to find information about Therapy Dogs along with sources on how to apply for a dog.  It also includes, information regarding donations, volunteering and creating memorial tributes.

Photo provided from Therapy Dogs International, used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Therapy Dogs International

http://www.tdi-dog.org/Introduction.aspx?Page=Children+Reading+To+Dogs+Video

This is a great resource that displays how Therapy Dogs used to help people with literacy.  These dogs will sit patiently while individuals which range from children o adults read them stories. This website also contains information regarding additional programs such as: hospice, libraries, shelters, nursing homes and home visits. The  Therapy Dogs International link above and photo has a video introducing special dogs.

Photo provided from Pets On Wheels used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Therapy Dogs, Inc.

http://www.therapydogs.com/

This source discusses the steps to obtaining certification for dogs that are eligible to become therapy dogs. Furthermore, this website also contains information regarding membership, donations and canine requirements of good manner, good health and testing for certification.

We hope that you found this topic of Therapy Dogs interesting.  Again, thank you for visiting the ipl2blog.

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Should Your Pooch Be a Therapy Dog? 3 Ways Pets Benefit Health

Sep 26, 2013

News & Views: From the Editors of Health

Should Your Pooch Be a Therapy Dog? 3 Ways Pets Benefit Health

June 19, 2013 | By Tina Haupert

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Every week, my dog, Murphy, and I visit a nearby rehabilitation home for elderly patients. Murphy is a certified therapy dog, so we work together as a team to bring a little happiness into these people’s lives. The hour we spend making visits is easily the highlight of my week.

As soon as Murphy and I walk into the senior home, I see people’s faces immediately light up– everyone from the residents to the staff, even visitors just passing by. A number of these people deal with chronic illnesses and not-so-fun health issues, so when Murphy visits with them (he either sits on the ground or I pick him up so he can be petted), their disposition instantly changes. It seems like the presence of a dog helps them forget the challenges that they are currently facing at least for a little while. I love seeing how much joy Murphy brings into these people’s days.

Therapy dogs and other pets can have a real impact on a patients’ health. Research shows they can help lower blood pressure as well as improve specific conditions, such depression and anxiety. Patients with cancer have even attributed a faster recovery thanks to a furry friend.

About six months ago, Murphy and I became a therapy dog team through a local non-profit organization called Dog B.O.N.E.S, who’s primary purpose is to train dogs for therapeutic purposes.  I wanted to get Murphy certified because he enjoys being around people so much. He loves everyone—young and old—and doesn’t mind crowds or unfamiliar places. He also loves being petted and socializing with people and other dogs. I always joke when we go to the dog park, he acts like the “pug mayor” and needs to meet everyone he sees. Basically, it was pretty obvious how much Murphy loves being around people, so I knew he’d make a great therapy dog.

In order to become a certified therapy dog team, I enrolled Murphy and I in a three-session course called “Introduction to Becoming a Therapy Dog Team Workshop” with Dog B.O.N.E.S. The training program prepared us for visits as a therapy dog team. I learned how to act as a therapy dog handler, which included how to walk with Murphy on a shorter leash and what is allowed when working with an animal in public spaces. I also learned what to expect during our visits and exposed Murphy to environments similar to those that we might encounter together.

The little furball passed the course with flying colors!

Once we were certified, Dog B.O.N.E.S helped coordinate a weekly placement for Murphy and I to make our visits. Dog B.O.N.E.S., like many therapy dog organizations, maintains relationships with hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and other facilities where therapy teams are wanted. Therapy dog teams can have scheduled visits like the one Murphy and I have each week or volunteer their services as time permits.

If you’d like to find a therapy dog organization like  Dog B.O.N.E.S. in your area, try a simple web search or contact your local ASPCA for details.

Read Tina’s daily food and fitness blog, Carrots ‘N’ Cake.

Read more:

• How My Pet Helped Me Heal


• 1 in 3 Smokers Would Kick Habit to Protect Pet


• 15 Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats

Read More from Tina Haupert

• 8 Great Fall Races From Top Running Bloggers


• A Gluten-Free Pumpkin Coconut Bread Recipe


• 5 Great Snacks for Runners

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dog, mind and body, pets

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