What exactly happens on the Pet Therapy visits?
During our visits, the human part of the team encourages the children to pet, brush, hug or speak to the dog. These activities enable the child to experience unconditional love (maybe for the first time), build feelings of trust, empathy and respect and join in group behavior. This interaction also allows the children to achieve outward focus and forget about their problems for the moment. The children walk the dog on a leash with the help of the handler,bring the dog water and reward the dog with for obeying basic obedience commands. The latter activity allows the child to experience positive control and heightens their self-esteem when the dog listens and responds. These represent part of the many ways our dogs and volunteers interact with the children.
