How familiar are you with Therapy Dogs?Therapy Dogs provide an invaluable benefit for a wide variety of needs. They are used for comfort and are proven to lower blood pressure, raise the spirits of individuals who might be e...xperiencing depression, and to relieve stress. They also assist in treatment for victims of abuse and for people with learning difficulties.
You might see a Therapy Dog in a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or schools. You may also see Therapy Dogs in places where disasters have occurred, providing comfort for those who have experienced emotional trauma.
Dogs who are used in therapy must be calm, attentive, well behaved, allow strangers to pet and touch them, and are not prone to startle easily. They must be able to walk with a person who may not have a steady gait without shying away. They must not pull on their lead or jump on others. All registered Therapy Dogs are trained and tested. They are up to date on all shots and are tested regularly for heartworm and other diseased. Some Therapy Dogs perform tricks, though it is not required. Some simply sit with someone and allow someone to hold them and pet them. Some perform obedience routines and play games with the person they are visiting.
Interesting to note is that Therapy Dog use was not officially recognized, popular and well known until probably the last 20 years. However, in World War II, a doctor recognized the positive effect an owners’ dog had on him and other soldiers when wounded and recuperating in the hospital. The dog was allowed to visit often, and she recognized there was a great benefit to this.
It is documented that in 1976 the first program was started in the United States to train Therapy Dogs for visits to institutions.
A Therapy dog is different than a service dog. A therapy dog provides comfort while a service dog provides guidance and assistance. Therapy Dogs do not have the legal access rights that assistance dogs do.
Golden Retrievers are often used as Therapy Dogs because they are known for their calm and gentle behavior, however, there is no perfect breed or mix. A Therapy dog is selected if it passes the testing, regardless of the breed. Coyotes, Wolves, and coyote/wolf hybrids are not allowed as Therapy dogs because they cannot be verified as immune against rabies.
So for all you dog owners out there, the next time you are feeling lonely, stressed or depressed, go hug your personal therapy dog and spend some time with him/her. You will be glad you did.
