The Power of Therapy Dogs

     I will be taking a new turn today as I discuss the power of therapy dogs, of which I have two. There are a variety of programs that utilize therapy dogs. The reading therapy dog program is a unique intervention that is designed to improve children’s reading and communication skills through the nonjudgmental presence of a therapy dog. These are certified therapy dogs, trained and evaluated for their calm temperament, obedience and ability to interact gently with children.

      The National Reading Panel has identified the key components of an effective reading program as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The presence of the dog to encourage reading practice strengthens these skills and helps foster the enjoyment of reading for the child.

     Therapy dogs are trained in many ways in addition to reading therapy. Many visit hospitals and long-term health care centers.  Animals have long been recognized

as being a positive force in the healing process. Just having contact with another living creature can divert a person from the stress of boredom, loneliness, and anxiety. As an example, my two little dogs visit a nursing home regularly, and are loved by the staff as well as the residents. Willie and Dolly have their favorites, of course, but as they bound in the front doors of the facility it is obvious that they love their role as a friendly visitor as much as the residents enjoy the visits.

     The dogs are an antidote to depression and loneliness of life in a long-term care facility. A visit from Willie and Dolly can break the routine and stimulate the mind in dramatic ways. I have watched residents smile and laugh for the first time as Willie puts up his little paw to say “hello!”.  Often, Willie’s visit would remind the person of their own pets and encourage communication and happy memories. My experience with these pet therapy visits with Willie has prompted me to write a new children’s book entitled “Willie’s Gift”, which will be released on August 5th.  Advance copies can be ordered on my website: www.cmbookworks.com, or on Facebook or Instagram at CMBookworks.

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Clairmarie H. Field