What are Therapy Dogs?

They are specially tested dogs that visit anyone, anywhere, that will benefit physically or mentally from the contact & love of a dog.

Why are Therapy Dog Visits Beneficial?

Stroking and touching a dog have helped to lower blood pressure, calm the mentally disturbed & refresh the minds of the con-fused. Unlike even the best intentioned humans, dogs are com-pletely accepting of people they are introduced to. They do not evaluate a person's looks, nor what they might say. They offer unconditional love that is beneficial to a person's well-being.

Therapy dogs help meet the need for physical touch, as often it isn't satisfied by the neutral touching involved in physical care. Talking to an animal has been shown to be more relaxing than talking to another human being.

How do I Get Involved?

Any dog of sound temperament can become a therapy dog. Dogs are given the St. John Ambulance Ther-apy Dog test, which evaluates the dog's reaction to people, a variety of nursing home situations, and other dogs. It is not an obedience test.

Once the dog has been successfully tested, the handler joins St. John Ambulance as a Therapy Dog volun-teer. They are then taken for 2 visitis to the local hospital or nursing home (without their dog) to make sure it is an environment they can be happy visiting. The dog is then introduced on the next 2 accompanied visits. If all goes well regular visits are set up.

To learn more email Georgina Greenstien or call 528-3292.