Therapy Animals: benefits
by Christy Caplan
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February 26, 2009 Ok – none of my dogs are therapy animals but they’re all adopted and came with baggage. I’m considering going through the Delta Society training with Sandy the oldest or Shermie since he’s great with kids and well anyone. I’m choosing this as my post for tonight b/c I’m handling PR for our emergency animal clinic, DoveLewis, and I placed a story on Gracie the therapy goat in a local paper. I’m researching their therapy program and the stories are truly amazing.
“Research has shown that animals help humans by acting as social bridges, reducing blood pressure, directing thoughts outward, and serving as strong motivators for accomplishing difficult tasks. An animal assisted therapy team might take a walk with an adolescent struggling with difficult issues. Another team might motivate a patient recovering from a stroke to reach farther, or calm a child during a dental procedure. Still others in the Read to the Dogs program might help young readers improve their skills by listening to them read aloud with a non-judgmental ear. By offering friendship and warm touch, animals help alleviate loneliness, lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Their presence brings a sense of normalcy to institutional settings.”
The Read to Dogs program is so simple… and it REALLY helps children gain the confidence they need. How many times have I presented to the dogs while they sit on the bed?! Obtaining certification is by no means easy. I was talking to someone that just passed the exam so she can evaluate dogs for the program and you must do your homework before taking this on. There are so many health benefits to animals so consider sharing what you already know with those less fortunate.
More on Gracie the goat just for fun:
About Gracie the therapy goat
Gracie is a registered Mini-Nubian. She is a blend of Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf. Her owner was encouraged to see if Gracie would qualify for a therapy animal. Gracie went in for her visit with the DLAATE program organizer many years ago and the rest is history. She was immediately accepted into the therapy animal training for her laid back attitude and love of humans.
Her visits have included nursing homes, libraries, prisons and events at retailers like Barnes & Noble. Her purpose is to bring a smile to people and a furry body to pet. She often brings out stories from the elderly who remember goats that they have had! And there are so many stories… http://dovelewis.org/programs/DLAATE.aspx
A link to a great show that appeared on PBS about dogs and cats that I found really interesting:
Next week – I’m planning to interview a small animal massage therapist which I’ll post as well.
Christy, I do agree with the benefits you point out here as I was able to study several cases back in college regarding therapy dogs. I even had the opportunity to see how an inspector rated a piglet and a cockatiel used as therapy animals. At that time I thought it was weird and I confess, after so many years, I think it still is kind of odd. But whatever works and connects us is worth the effort, right!
BTW, shoot me a DM on twitter when you get a chance! I can’t find you on my timeline anymore.
No way – a piglet and cockatiel?! I love that – I can see the piglet perhaps but I agree both are odd. When I meet the goat next week I’ll let you know whether that was well strange… I just started following you on twitter but couldn’t send you a DM for whatever reason… you mean direct message, right?
Hi Christy,
This is a great article. I like the therapy program too. I’ve done a handful of complimentary “Dog Massage for Owners” classes with Heather at Dove Lewis. They have a great program, and it’s solid. Have you been to a presentation for Delta? I think I’m going to try and go to the one this month in NE if you want to go with me?
Great blog, Christy! I didn’t know you were working with Dove Lewis! Very cool! I have always wanted Louie to be a therapy dog, but he is unfortunately not always the most well behaved. Something to work on I guess.
Thank Rubi and Jamie!! I hosted a media briefing this afternoon with the Oregon City News and Gracie the therapy goat. I’ll attach some pictures when I post later tonight. Gracie has some awesome stories. A very elderly woman that hadn’t spoken in years saw Gracie and immediately told a story about her childhood and a goat she once knew… good stuff. I hear you – (maybe Sandy) but Shermie and Bruiser have a long way to go before we look into certification. I’m considering it for Sandy.