Therapy Dogs
The primary objective of a therapy dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions and wherever else the Therapy Dog is needed. This is done in a way that increases emotional well being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for these people.
What Do Therapy Dogs Do?
The dogs bring sparkle to a sterile day, provide a lively subject for conversation, and rekindle old memories of previously owned pets. The first time a dog prances into a care facility, most people do a double take. A split second later broad smiles stretch across faces. Regardless of how residents look or how they feel, the animals are happy to see them. Often deprived of acceptance and love, those who live or must stay in a care facility immediately respond to tail-wagging greetings and warm paws. Four-footed therapists give something medical science can't do, without the use of drugs. It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching and talking with the animals, patients' blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression is eased.
How Can Health Care Professionals Use TDI Dogs?
Regular visits from Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide stimulation for conversation in mental health counseling. Therapy dogs can even encourage interest in physical therapy. (Not only does petting a dog's shiny coat feel good, it can be used as the basis for exercise and a reason to start physical therapy.)
Therapy dogs elevate the mood of the facility in general and specifically with the staff and residents' family members. Families feel better having their loved one live in a facility where the staff cares enough to arrange Therapy Dog visits.
Therapy Dogs can assist Healthcare Professionals:
* Set-up a protocol for Therapy Dog visitations
* Obtain visits from a registered Therapy Dog Team
* Advise individual Health Care Professionals on how to prescribe and put into effect Therapy Dog visits.
Therapy Dog Extras. . .
Not Just For Seniors TV Show December 2002
(To download the movie, right click, save target as...60mb)
(To download the movie, right click, save target as...13mb)
©Life Care Innovations, Inc. 2006
A great way to start off the New Year.
Carl helping out Mocha.
Minnie found a new friend at the Azheimer's Association conference.
| ©2005 Life Care Innovations, Inc.