What is a therapy dog?

Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs whose job it is to provide psychological support to individuals other than their owners. Dogs that are designated as therapy dogs need to have stable temperaments, as well as friendly, calm, and easy-going personalities. Typically, they volunteer at places such as hospitals, school, nursing homes, libraries, etc. People are encouraged to pet therapy dogs, their job it to interact with a variety of people and provide support to all individuals who want it.

Why use a therapy dog?

Research has shown that pets are natural counselors, especially for children. They can help children overcome aggression and shyness; they teach responsibility and empathy. Therapy dogs make great co-counselors because they play the same role as humans do - providing comfort and companionship, someone to talk to and confide in. There is no risk in talking to a therapy dog. They will not betray a student’s confidence and subsequently may help them open up to discuss their feelings on various topics. Having a therapy dog can help change a student’s behavior, create a sense of responsibility and even improve a child’s ability to participate in counseling sessions leading to achievement in relation to identified goals and objectives.

Check out our movie - Meet Maggie - to see what we do in school and why students and teachers like her

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Messages from Maggie - write Maggie a letter and she will write back. She also loves to get drawings.