therapy dogs Archives

Therapy Dog Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree In Veterinary Medicine

Well, it’s official, there’s at least one more dog out there with a more advanced degree than I have. Moose, an 8-year-old Yellow Lab officially just received his honorary doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech. Yep, just call him Doctor Moose! Even before receiving his degree, Moose was a pretty big deal on campus. The pup has worked as one of Virginia Tech’s four therapy dogs since 2014. He attends events like football games and new student orientations. Throughout … Read more

Dogs Are The Unsung Heroes Of The Special Olympics

Special Olympics has been enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities since 1968. What began as a backyard summer camp has grown into a global movement with 5.4 million athletes participating in 106,000 events in 193 countries! More than a million volunteers help ensure the games run smoothly, and not all of them are human. Many dogs accompany the athletes, families, and friends of the organization, offering services only pups can provide. “Dogs let people with disabilities become more … Read more

Therapy Dog Comforts Medical Staff On Frontline Of COVID Pandemic

The medical professionals at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic are giving everything they have to save lives. Doctors and nurses are putting their own lives on the line, working tirelessly to serve patients and slow the spread. It is a stressful time, to say the least. The staff at Rose Medical Center in Denver are getting a bit of relief with the help of a therapy dog in training named Wynn. ER Physician is Training Wynn to Serve … Read more

Grief Therapy Dog Is An Official Staff Member At Funeral Home

Therapy dogs have the gift of delivering comfort and security during scary, difficult, and overwhelming times. Their efficacy at soothing sick, traumatized, and grief-stricken souls is well documented. Macon Funeral Home in Franklin, North Carolina recently added a therapy dog in training to their grief support staff. They expect Mochi to bring comfort to grieving families for years to come. An Idea That Was Immediately Embraced by Leadership Tori McKay is an office administrator for Macon Funeral Home. For 10 … Read more

Therapy Dogs Submit to Procedures to Help Young Patients

We are all familiar with therapy dogs and the important work they do in schools, hospitals, homes, and more. One team from Southhampton in the UK have a special set of skills that put their young patients at ease. They aim to make the children they serve feel comfortable and unafraid when facing a battery of medical tests and procedures. How do they do it? By submitting to the procedures themselves first! They Are Called “Dog-tors” There are six Golden … Read more

Activists Are Ending Animal Cruelty Through Education

Children learn how to treat and care for animals when they are young by watching their parents and members of the community for cues. If they are kind and responsible with their pets, kids tend to follow suit. However, when children grow up without pets or with role models who are cruel or neglectful towards animals, their outlook on pet care is skewed. That is why non-profits like Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe are vital to reducing animal cruelty and keeping … Read more

Therapy Dogs All Dressed Up For Thanksgiving Will Tide You Over Til Christmas

Therapy dogs already bring so much joy to people year-round, but this holiday season some special therapy dogs in Florida are spreading that joy even farther across the internet. An amazing picture of seven therapy dogs seated around the table for Thanksgiving is going viral (for obvious reasons.) The group of therapy dogs from Therapy K9’s of Southwest Florida all gathered at a home in North Port for Thanksgiving. Obviously a photo needed to be taken to commemorate this occasion, … Read more

Shelter Changes Lives Of Young Inmates, Teaching Them To Love & Care For Shelter Dogs

Juvenile inmates in Rapid City, South Dakota are participating in a pilot animal therapy program through a partnership with the Humane Society of the Black Hills. Currently one dozen male inmates are enrolled in the program with plans to expand it to the entire jail community. The program is called Paws Forward and it is already having a positive impact on the juvenile offenders who are taking part. About Paws Forward Paws Forward is the brain child of the Humane Society of … Read more

Therapy Dogs Bring Love and Light to El Paso

First responders are true heroes when tragedy strikes. They show super human determination, grit and steadfastness during the most hectic, disturbing times. When others run out, they run in. At the end of the very long day, however, they’re still human. They need to release their stress. They need to take a moment to express grief. They need to be shown some love and provided some comfort. Image Methodist Healthcare System Facebook For the first responders and healthcare employees tirelessly … Read more

Therapy Dogs Bring Peace To Suffering Parkland Students, Breaking Our Hearts And The Internet

Tragedy struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in February of last year when an expelled student entered the school and opened fire. He murdered 17 people and injured 17 more giving this massacre the gruesome title of deadliest school shooting in our history. When students returned to campus later that month the terror and fear that had filled the halls and classrooms was replaced by the comfort and love of a slew of therapy dogs from all … Read more

Do Therapy Dogs Like Their Jobs?

With a growing list of places where you might run into a therapy dog, it’s easy to see real-life examples of the good work they’re known for. They visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and even airports to bring their special breed of emotional support to two-leggers of all ages. Science has already proven therapy dogs make real differences when it comes to emotional well-being. We know the people are happy, but what about the dogs? Most people know what it … Read more

Doggie Brigade Brings Healing To Children’s Hospital Patients

For more than 25 years, the Doggie Brigade at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio has been bringing smiles and healing to patients and their families. Doggie Brigade is the second oldest animal-assistance program in the country, as well as one of the largest. Not only do these dogs bring happiness throughout the hospital, but they’ve actually been shown to reduce patients’ blood pressure, stress, and anxiety levels as well as increase the children’s willingness to participate in their treatment program … Read more

Why Are Some Pups Drawn To People Who Don’t Like Dogs?

I have been a card-carrying dog person for as long as I can remember, and if you are a follower of iHeartDogs, I’m sure you are, too! With millions of us out there just waiting to shower them with love and affection, why is it that some dogs gravitate to people who do not care for canines? For some dogs, the desire to seek out a paticular person may be related to their level of socialization. If they are raised … Read more

7 Signs Your Pup Would Make An Excellent Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs provide a variety of public services such as visiting hospital patients and helping schoolchildren with their reading skills. Unlike service dogs, therapy animals do not perform specific assistance tasks. They simply offer companionship and affection. Therapy dog candidates should be obedient and trainable, but they must also possess certain traits that cannot be taught. If you have considered pursuing therapy dog certification for your pup, ask yourself if he or she has the following qualities: 1. Highly … Read more

Southwest Airlines Connects Dogs With Veterans Who Need Them

While more and more American soldiers are struggling to cope with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety after returning home from service, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with a non-profit determined to help. Freedom Fur was founded with the objective to give back to the veterans who are winning the war overseas but at a disadvantage on the homefront. Returning soldiers cope with physical injuries, disabilities, and mental disorders, and Freedom Fur recognizes their need for loyal, caring support. https://www.facebook.com/161109787265421/photos/a.655611217815273.1073741826.161109787265421/800726396637087/?type=3 Dogs … Read more

Ad Campaign Sheds Light On The Growing Problem Of Fake Service Dogs

Larry Bigelow has severe spinal osteoporosis and spinal fractures. He depends on his highly trained Yellow Labrador, Buzz for the stability and physical support he needs to stay active. Buzz is one of many legitimate service dogs trained by Hawaii Fi-Do. The organization has decided to take a stand against imposter service animals with their new web PSA ads. It may seem harmless to purchase a knockoff service vest and slap it on your pup, but untrained service animals give the … Read more

Disabled Rescue Dogs Pay It Forward As Therapy Pets

The DAWGS (Disabled Animals Who Generously Serve) of Dharma Rescue in Torrance, California are on a mission to comfort, entertain and inspire humans with their strength and perseverance. Each was pulled from a high-kill shelter where their medical needs made adoption unlikely. Trained as therapy dogs, they’re spreading the love to nursing home patients and school children. The innovative idea for the DAWGS Program came to Dharma Rescue founder, Susan Fulcher after years of rescuing and fostering California’s forgotten pets. … Read more

She Rescued 4 Shelties, Now They Help Others Through Therapy Work

There’s just something about a Sheltie! That’s why, after adopting her first Sheltie from a couple that was divorcing, Debbie Benningfield of Houston, Texas, has owned a total of six, all rescues. She currently own four darlings: Emmalea who is 14, Sophie who is 10, Oliver who is 5 and Celie who is 7. Why rescues? “All animals are great, but rescue ones are the best,” Benningfield told iHeartDogs.com. “To see how much unconditional love they give is heartwarming.” The “Pawsome … Read more

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