Dog Therapy
* The dogs used for this group are considered small/teacup breeds. This means they are no more than 10 pounds. Group members will be alerted if this changes.
* The dogs used for this group have hair, NOT fur, and are therefore considered hypoallergenic. However, if you are concerned about allergies, please consult your doctor before attending.
* All sessions are in person only.
Dogs make very effective therapy animals and are the most beneficial animals used in therapeutic settings, second only to horses. This is because of their innate sensitivities to human emotion. Most dogs naturally pay attention to human behaviors and actions to determine our “energies “and then react accordingly.
Therapy Dogs are a great way to encourage safe social interactions. They are trained to be attentive to people’s needs and to offer unconditional love. Studies show that interacting with dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also ease loneliness, encourage movement, and improve overall health, such as lowering blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Research has shown that simply petting a dog can lower the stress hormone Cortisol and can increase the feel-good hormone Oxytocin, also known as “the bonding hormone”.