Today, Therapy Dogs are in high demand. They visit in a myriad of healthcare and educational facilities. Through advances in scientific research, it has been proven that interacting with a dog is in fact therapeutic and can effect both physical and emotional well-being. In my work with Therapy Dogs over the past twenty-two years, I have witnessed many magical connections between humans and canines in hospitals, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s units, hospice, mental health facilities, and in children’s programs in schools and colleges. Therapy Dogs, truly can bring comfort and caring wherever Therapy Dogs are needed.
Last week when I received an email from an individual on the West Coast asking if I could please arrange to have a Therapy Dog visit his stepdad in Massachusetts, I simply couldn’t pass it by. This young man wrote in his email that his stepdad is on hospice care and doesn’t have much time left. My stepdad has been a dog lover all his life. I just know a visit from a Therapy Dog would mean so much to him.
Coco and Michelle en route
Although Bright Spot Therapy Dogs is based in western Massachusetts, we have volunteers sprinkled throughout the state and beyond. When I learned that the young man’s stepdad is in a facility in the middle of the state of Massachusetts, I quickly sifted through our volunteer database and found the perfect Team, our famous Coco and her Mom Michelle. It turns out they are located only 20 minutes from the facility where the emailer’s stepdad is staying. I immediately emailed Michelle. We’re on it, she replied. I’d be delighted to stop by with Coco at the end of the school day on the way home. Connection made!
Michelle and Coco made their first visit with the stepdad last Friday and plan to visit him every Friday afternoon. The stepdad and Coco connected immediately and conversation about all his dogs started to flow. While there, Coco made impromptu visits with several folks,too, who enjoyed spending time with this sweet, gentle, loving dog.