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Department of Social Work
Macro Level Social Work Project
Therapy Pets - [ CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO ALBUM]
Project Manager: Natasha Carpenter
Project Members: Brandon Battle , Marquita Allen, Tamika Green
4 Legged Team Members: Brandy, Sean and the Rabbit
The primary objective of the therapy dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions and wherever else the Therapy Dog is needed. This is done in a way that increases emotional well being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for these people.
Regular visits from Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide stimulation for conversation in mental health counseling. Therapy dogs can even encourage interest in physical therapy. (Not only does petting a dog’s shiny coat feel good, it can be used as the basis for exercise and a reason to start physical therapy.)
Therapy dogs elevate the mood of the facility in general and specifically with the staff and residents’ family members. Families feel better having their loved one live in a facility where the staff cares enough to arrange Therapy Dog visits.
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