What is a therapy dog?

Arguably, any dog that offers comfort could be considered a therapy dog, however there are certain requirements that set these dogs apart from the general pack of canines.

Sometimes confused with a service dog such as a seeing-eye dog, therapy dogs are special in a number of ways. Legally a therapy dog does not have the same access “rights” as a service dog although they are mostly awarded greater leeway than a family pet and are recognized by a special vest or collar. (Note - My canine friend, Louie is wearing his vest!)

Therapy dogs have gone through a screening process that includes close scrutiny of their behavior in different situations such as around wheel chairs or crowds. In particular, how a dog behaves around small children and elderly is important. Dogs with calm and soothing demeanors are likely to be certified as therapy dogs and those with hyper or unpredictable tendencies are not.

It is not important that therapy dogs be purebred although some are. Good therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes. What really makes a wonderful therapy dog is the intuitive cuddle factor. Can the dog recognize when a person needs a full body lean (canine hug), a whoosh of tail or a swipe of the tongue?

Many owners of therapy dogs volunteer their time and their canine’s to bring comfort to those in need. Therapy dogs make visits to senior centers, hospitals and other institutions as well as disaster zones everywhere. Imagine how comforting to a child in the hospital a few oversized St. Bernards to snuggle with can be.

Other therapy dogs increase their owners’ boundaries by relieving stress associated with anxieties. Many therapy dog owners are now capable of venturing beyond their home or clinic and can even ride in planes. With the help of a trusted and caring canine buddy many people are recovering from debilitating anxieties and are now able to maintain jobs.

Do you have a dog you’d like to have certified or are you in need of a therapy dog for yourself? There are several organizations that certify therapy dogs. Check out your local phone book or Google “therapy dogs” to locate one near you. A good place for more information is Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI).

All dogs seem to be therapeutic some have just received special certification for their intuitive nurturing. Therapy dogs and their handlers make a huge difference to many and rightly deserve special recognition.

(With sincere appreciation to the unknown owner of the 5 (yes 5!) Saint Bernards that permitted my son to climb all over them when he was hospitalized at 18 months. Thank you! We were both comforted.)