September is National Therapy Dog Awareness Month — an opportunity to acknowledge all the wonderful work and support therapy dog provide to those with disabilities.
What do therapy dogs do?
Therapy dogs are trained to react and respond to people and their environment, under their owners guidance. They help relieve the effects of mental health disorders. They’re not just cute and cuddly, these angels play a major role in delivering comfort, companionship and emotional support.
How therapy dogs help?
Therapy dogs can greatly improve one’s wellbeing and quality of life by being a non-judgmental companion with many benefits:
- Improves mood
- Increases self-esteem
- Helps with loneliness and isolation
- Helps with stress and anxiety
- Reduces sadness and depression
- Increases willingness to be more active and engaged
- Increases mental stimulation
- Improves outlook on life
