Courthouse Therapy Dogs
March 29, 2016
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While doing some research on pet therapy I found that some court rooms will provide therapy dogs to those who are testifying. With being a Criminal Justice major and hearing about the kind of cases and crimes that go on I think this is a wonderful idea. There is so many kids who go through the court system and have to face their perpetrator while testifying. I think that having a certified dog to be able to calm and relax you can truly make an impact. Florida’s Second Judicial Court’s website says “Studies have shown that petting an animal reduces blood pressure and heart rate, thus reducing stress and anxiety” (“Court house Therapy Dogs”, 2015). For someone who has faced a traumatic even stand has to go into a court room and re-live their story it can be very difficult, I think that having these dogs by the sides of those who need it will greatly benefit not only them but the others in the court room. 
http://2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov/petTherapy.php
Fraser
March 24, 2016
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When looking at some pet therapy stories on YouTube I came across this video about a dog named Fraser. He is a black lab with a golden mix and is part of the HCA Virginia’s Unique Pet Therapy Program. Fraser visits the Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals from Tucker Pavilion and the Thomas Johns Cancer Hospital. When watching this video it really shows how compassionate and sweet this dog is not only with patients but staff. Seeing the faces of those that he impacts is truly heart warming and is a good watch. Watching videos like this shows the impact that these therapy animals have on those they visit. I liked this video in particular because it shows the true day in a life of Fraser the therapy dog. They talk about the problems that these patients are facing: feeling alone, stressed, aggravated, scared, etc. and then it shows Fraser strolling in and not only helping the patients but the staff. Being able to watch videos like this make me grateful that there is pet therapy programs that can help so many that need it.
Let’s Talk Statistics
March 22, 2016
For this post I thought I would talk about the impact of pet therapy on one’s health. When looking at children in the hospital studies show that having dogs that are involved in pet therapy will make them happier. “A study by Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., RN, of the University of Missouri-Columbia Center for the Study of Animal Wellness, showed that when a human pets a dog, within minutes they get a massive release of beneficial hormones-known to be associated with health and feelings of wellbeing—such as beta endorphin, prolactin, dopamine, oxytocin, and beta phenylethylamine (Angel on a Leash, 2016). When these hormones are released it makes people happier and their stress hormone is lowered.
When looking at mental health another study was taken involving therapists using therapy dogs during their sessions. The results were that the patients were more likely to look forward to their session and be more open to their therapist. it also lowered their stress and anxiety and made a better lifestyle for them. It sounds silly but these therapy animals have such an impact on those who are suffering and need something as simple as a pet to play with to relax them.
Therapy pets and senior citizens shows a tremendous impact when it comes to feeling of loneliness and health. “Spending as little as 30 minutes with a dog each week reduces feelings of loneliness in long-term care residents reports a study featured in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences (July 2002) (Angel on a Leash, 2016). Like I mentioned my last post you can see the impact these animals have on the senior citizens, it truly amazing what one animal can do for someone.
 
Information taken from: https://angelonaleash.org/studies-the-amazing-healing-power-of-therapy-dogs/
Beacon Hospice
March 10, 2016
Over the summer I was working at a nursing home in Bristol, RI. There was patients there that ranged from young adults, to senior citizens, physical therapy clients and those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. When I worked the night shift as receptionist, someone from Beacon Hospice would bring in therapy dogs. There names were Spud and Maggie and when I saw them with the patients it was very heart warming. Working in the nursing home you see a lot of patients who are suffering and going through a hard phase in their lives. But, whenever these patients saw these dogs their eyes would light up, and they couldn’t stop smiling. Working 11 hours days were exhausting but seeing the reactions of the patients I worked with everyday was worth it. Pet therapy is amazing and what t does for those who need it is incredible, I will never forget the memories those dogs gave me and even my patients.
Spartacus, Akita Therapy Dog
March 4, 2016

When reading this story it hit close to home. I’m sure a lot of people have heard about the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. For those who haven’t on December 14, 2012 a man went into Sandy Hook and took the lives of 20 children and 6 staff members. Spartacus was the one of the first to arrive on scene. After the tragedy he remained on school grounds providing therapy to those who needed it. For months to follow Spartacus was there for the students, teachers, and responders that had to suffer this horrific event. Because of Spartacus there is now a new law in Connecticut that says all victims have to have access to a therapy pet within 24 hours of a crisis.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard about this awful event. My high school had a ceremony for all the victims and lit 26 candles and said a prayer. Even though the pain will never go away for those who were in that school this dog was able to offer therapy to and be there for the victims. Reading stories like this is why I chose to make a website about pet therapy because it shows how beautiful and amazing these animals are.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/amazing-therapy-animals-and-their-stories/
Pet Therapy isn’t Just for Dogs
March 1, 2016
While searching the web for pet therapy stories to share I came across Rojo and Napoleon, a therapy alpaca and llama. Never did I think that llamas and alpaca would or could be registered as therapy animals but these two have been certified and are spreading their love. These two are apart of an organization called Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas. “Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas is a faith-based non-profit organization, which strives to share the love of God through animal-assisted therapy and camelid education among all ages (“Welcome to Mtn Peaks”, 2015).”

The picture above is Rojo the Llama, on the website it says that he very friendly and loves being around people. He visits schools, nursing homes, and hospitals in the local areas.. The picture above is on the website and Rojo is visiting a hospital, where the children can pet him and give them comfort.

This picture is Napoleon the alpaca, who was the organizations first registered therapy alpaca. With him being smaller in size compared to the others he is perfect for those who are afraid of the size of the animals and for those in wheelchairs (like the picture above) and those who are confined to the hospital beds.
Through this organization they visit many places that need therapy pets. I chose to share this story because a lot of people think that therapy pets are just dogs, and to see that alpacas and llamas can be therapy pets too was amazing. I suggest going on their website and checking it out, there is some heartfelt stories and you can view all the animals they have that are registered.
 
 
 
 