therapy dog programs
Studies continually confirm that the mere presence of a dog
has real medical and psychological benefits. Visits to nursing
home facilities have consistently shown a drop in blood
pressure, an increase in communication, alertness and a
relaxing of stress and depression in residents. Dogs visit
hundreds of hospitals each day alleviating pain, soothing
the ill and their concerned families and even brightening the
day for the staff. Reader dogs assist literacy teachers to help
struggling readers to practice and improve their skills. Animal-assisted therapy pairs a dog with physical therapists, social
workers and educators to complement structured activities
to improve specific conditions. Dogs are especially good
with children, allowing victims of abuse or trauma to share
their stories in a legal or counseling setting with the comfort
of a soft coat and a wet nose.
The Planet Dog Foundation is proud of its support for the following exemplary organizations: