| If you have a dog you know how beneficial they are | | | | other visitors. |
| to your overall health. You may not realize it on a | | | | Sharing your dog with others in need will |
| daily basis, but their steadfast companionship helps on | | | | automatically have a positive effect on you as well. |
| those days you may be feeling stressed. | | | | Here are some benefits you may experience: |
| So if it is good for us to have the love of our furry | | | | 1. You may find yourself in more of a relaxed mood. |
| friend, imagine the effects a dog can have on the | | | | 2. You may feel more connected to the world. |
| elderly and ill. Studies are expanding our knowledge of | | | | 3. You may feel a sense of purpose and |
| pet therapy, and their benefits, by leaps and bounds. | | | | accomplishment. |
| The following is a list of just some of the many | | | | 4. You may find you are more confident. |
| benefits dogs can provide. | | | | 5. You may feel a sense that volunteering has shown |
| 1. Animals help decrease isolation and loneliness. | | | | you the bigger picture of life. |
| 2. Elderly people with an animal companion tend to go | | | | If you feel your dog may be a good candidate as a |
| to the doctor less. | | | | therapy dog you must undergo training through a |
| 3. Dogs are good for your heart. Studies have shown | | | | therapy dog program. There are many wonderful |
| cholesterol levels are lowered with the love of a dog | | | | ones to choose from, which you can find by doing a |
| in your life. | | | | search on the internet. If your dog is naturally calm, |
| 4. Dogs can help to alleviate everyday stress. | | | | friendly and attentive around people and other dogs, |
| 5. Pets naturally know how to make you laugh. | | | | it is likely your dog will be perfect. |
| 6. Dogs need to exercise and this in turn helps you | | | | Once you have become a registered therapy dog |
| stay fit. | | | | team contact your local long-term care facilities, as |
| 7. Pets can help satisfy our need for touch, affection | | | | well as hospitals to find out if they would like a visit |
| and warmth. | | | | from your therapy dog. Most facilities are recognizing |
| 8. Animals provide the elderly and ill with hope. | | | | the importance of dogs visiting and will be |
| One dog can provide unconditional love and fill a void | | | | enthusiastic about you starting as soon as possible. |
| for many. Volunteering with your dog to provide the | | | | One important thing to remember as you start your |
| elderly and ill with the benefits as mentioned above is | | | | visits is not everyone will want to be around your |
| known as Animal-Assisted therapy. | | | | dog. Don't take it personally. Be respectful to those |
| Monthly visits from a therapy dog in a nursing home | | | | not wishing the presence of your dog. |
| will have residents looking forward to their special | | | | The feeling of volunteering with your dog and |
| four-legged friend. Because dogs do not judge | | | | reaching out to others in need is hard to put into |
| others, they are always happy to share their love | | | | words. The only way to experience this wonderful |
| with anyone. This has a very positive effect socially | | | | act of kindness is with the heart. May your heart |
| and emotionally on residents and patients. Dogs are | | | | overflow with all good feelings as you embark on |
| also very good at listening. This is an added benefit | | | | sharing your dog with others. |
| to the elderly and ill as they may not have many | | | | |