Therapy Dogs
Believing that we are an integral part of the community, Melissa Chapman, President and Founder of Affordable Home Care Agency visits seniors and facilities with her loving Labradoodle, Dewey the certified therapy dog. There is no charge for visits, we simply want to be involved and provide a loving service to our community.
Meet Dewey! Dewey loves people and is always willing to cuddle or play. He does not shed which helps those that need or want to avoid pet hair. We have been told that hugging Dewey feels like hugging a soft, warm, snuggly blanket! Dewey is certified the therapy Dogs International. Melissa and Dewey love to put cheer in a seniors day and smiles on their faces.
Now meet Babe the Adorable Bichon Frise and Linda Taylor, Affordable Home Care Agency's Community Liaison extraordinaire!
While Babe is not yet certified (but should be soon!), she is a perfect therapy dog in the making! She not only loves people and attention, she is the perfect size to cuddle up on your lap. She also does not shed which makes visits with Babe possible for those who need or want to avoid pet hair. Babe loves to dance and will definitely bring a smile to your face when you see her.
Interaction with Therapy Dogs has many benefits, some which are listed below.
Health benefits: It is a proven fact that petting a dog will lower your blood pressure and calm your heart rate. There are studies that also indicate that petting a dog releases endorphins that can block pain.
Calming effect: Anyone who has ever petted his or her dog knows that it can calm a person who is angry, afraid, upset or depressed.
Social stimulation: A patient/resident has a chance to visit with the dog and the dog's handler, then discuss the visit with the staff or other patients.
Interest: Having a Therapy Dog visit is something interesting the residents or patients will remember for a long time.
Re-focus thoughts: Interacting with a Therapy Dog can help patients/residents forget about their problems and instead, focus on the dog.
Morale: For most people, petting a dog brings back happy memories of past pets and happy times.
Need for touch: Touch is a basic human need and interaction with the Therapy Dog can be comforting.
Anticipation: Patients and Residents often look forward to a visit from our therapy dog.
Practice physical skills: Walking, petting, grooming, throwing a ball for a dog - these are all great ways to incorporate some fun into doing physical therapy work.
Improving the quality of life: This is simply the most important benefit - it is what Therapy Dogs are all about.
Learn more about Therapy Dogs and their benefits, visit: www.tdi-dog.org Therapy Dogs International
Call our offices to discuss the possibility of having Dewey the Therapy Dog
or Babe the Adorable come and visit!