The Good Dog Foundation: Healing Through Therapy Dogs
At WAGGIN, we’re all about the powerful bond between pets and their humans, which is why we’re excited to feature The Good Dog Foundation, an organization that brings comfort to those in need through therapy dogs.
Who Is The Good Dog Foundation?
The Good Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization that trains and certifies therapy dog teams to provide comfort and support to those in need. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has partnered with hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and community centers to bring the positive effects of therapy dogs to people who need it most.
Their therapy dog teams visit people who are experiencing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges, offering a warm and friendly connection. Whether it’s helping a child with autism in a school setting or visiting a patient in recovery, therapy dogs from The Good Dog Foundation make a real difference in people’s lives.
How Therapy Dogs Are Use
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Therapy dogs are highly trained to interact with people in a calm, gentle, and friendly manner. These dogs and their handlers volunteer their time to provide support in various environments, such as:
- Hospitals: Bringing comfort to patients undergoing treatments or surgery recovery.
- Nursing Homes: Offering companionship to elderly residents who may be dealing with loneliness or dementia.
- Schools: Helping children with special needs or offering stress relief during exams.
- Community Programs: Supporting people recovering from trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges.
The Mental Benefits of Pet Therapy
Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can lead to a variety of mental health benefits, including:
- Reduced Anxiety: Petting a therapy dog can lower stress hormones and help people feel more relaxed.
- Increased Happiness: Spending time with a dog increases the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are known to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being.
- Improved Social Interaction: Therapy dogs can help people who are shy or struggling with communication to open up and engage with others.
- Support During Grief: Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support during times of loss and sorrow.
At WAGGIN, we know firsthand the impact that pets can have on mental health. It’s one of the reasons we are so passionate about supporting pet therapy.
Gemma’s Journey to Therapy Dog
To strengthen our belief in pet therapy, we’re starting the journey to train our pup, Gemma, to become a certified therapy dog with The Good Dog Foundation. Gemma will need to master new skills, like walking calmly on a leash and staying focused. We’re excited to share her progress and can’t wait to see her bring joy to others.
Wish Us Luck! 🐾
It’s going to be a big adventure, but with Gemma’s big heart and The Good Dog Foundation’s guidance, we’re optimistic! Stay tuned for updates and wish us luck—we’ll need it! 🐶💙
For more information on what The Good Dog Foundation does and ways to get involved, check out their website: https://thegooddogfoundation.org/.