what is a therapy dog

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Transcript of what is a therapy dog

Page 1: what is a therapy dog
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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.