Therapy dogs
A school in the western part of Denmark had introduced a new thing. One part of the school consists of students with special needs, their teachers and a dog. The dog is 4-year-old Golden Retriever that belongs to one of the teachers. The dog helps the students when they need to calm down and concentrate. The dog also helps the students when they are sad or feel lonely. Many of the students have never had a best friend and the dog has become their friend. When the students don't feel like going to school they think about the dog. They know that the dog is waiting for them and they don't want to let it down.
In 2010 a group of reseachers initiated a new project. They wanted to find out if dogs had a positive effect on people who suffer from dementia. 500 dogs participate in the project and they visit a number of nursing home around the country. The dogs belong to private owners. Before the dogs become visiting dogs they are examined by a vet and if the dogs are suitable for nursing homes the visit the local nursing home a couple of times per month. The people behind the project believe that the visiting dogs really make a difference. The interaction with the dogs make the residents happy and it improves the quality of their lives.
Image Credit » My own image
Comments
LeaPea2417 wrote on August 11, 2015, 8:09 PM
That is wonderful that the Therapy Dogs can help the disabled person and the dementia patients.
HappyLady wrote on August 11, 2015, 9:40 PM
The use of these dogs is brilliant. I used one when working in a nursing home and the dog really chhered people up.
bestwriter wrote on August 11, 2015, 10:49 PM
Not just for those with special needs but a pet can do wonders to normal people like you and me.
cheri wrote on August 11, 2015, 11:48 PM
This is something new that I heard about, interesting!
wolfgirl569 wrote on August 11, 2015, 11:57 PM
I worked at a nursing home that had a dog full time in the Alzheimers ward. She would go to the ones when they started getting upset and that would calm them down.
CalmGemini wrote on August 12, 2015, 2:41 AM
A very good idea.Yes,dogs can contribute much in improving one's moods. Some breeds are better at bonding with people.
Sarandipity wrote on August 12, 2015, 6:26 AM
Nice piece. Dogs always make such great subjects for any sort of writing. This dog therapy is a good idea as it is tried and tested. Good for Denmark!
Paulie wrote on August 13, 2015, 3:29 AM
I definitely believe that dogs can be used for therapy. A dog is a man's best friend is certainly a correct statement.
AliCanary wrote on August 13, 2015, 7:04 PM
Animals are EXTREMELY helpful in many situations, from helping kids with autism to combat vets with PTSD and seniors with loneliness. Animals should always have our great respect and admiration for the quality they bring to our lives!
Porcospino wrote on August 14, 2015, 12:24 PM
I agree. It is great that the dogs are able to help them. The dogs really make a difference.
Porcospino wrote on August 14, 2015, 12:28 PM
In the nursing home where my grandmother lived they had two cats. The residents enjoyed spending time with them. Dogs are a great idea as well.