WHAT IS A THERAPY DOG?

A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to help students focus and learn in schools.

MEET BRANDY! She is a Certified Therapy Dog!A sweet and loving 7 year old Bullmastiff, who is a “gentle giant”…..her owner is Mrs. Diane Cleary, Student Assistance Counselor.

It's well-known that interaction with a gentle, friendly therapy dog has significant benefits:

Mental Health:• lifts spirits and lessens depression

• decreases feelings of isolation and alienation• encourages communication

• provides comfort• increases socialization

• lowers anxiety • helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders• increases self-confidence, reduces self-consciousness

• reduces loneliness

Physical Health:*lowers blood pressure *improves cardiovascular health*releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect*diminishes overall physical pain*the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response

Therapy dogs in schools….• School counselors are finding that the presence of a therapy dog can decrease anxiety and enable students to work through issues such as anger management, bullying tendencies and others psycho/social problems. • In addition, therapy dogs have been used fairly widely in recent years for reading enhancement.

What are Brandy’s QUALIFICATIONS?Brandy has received special training by “Paws with Manners” and has passed several requirements in order to become a certified therapy dog. She received her certification through “love on a Leash” certifying organization.She also has been awarded The Canine Good Citizen Award from the American Kennel Club!

What are Mrs. Cleary’s qualifications?•Diane Cleary is a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 23 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings. She has been with CCSD for 15 years. •Mrs. Cleary has owned and trained Brandy since she was a puppy. She has put in many volunteer hours working with Brandy with various organizations to be part of the Certified Therapy dog team.