Muggles with Susan Luehrs of Hawaii Fi-Do the day Muggles passed the Therapy Dogs Incorporated certification test

 

What is a

Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and stressful situations, such as, disaster areas. 

 

There is fair amount of scientific research outlining the benefits of pets in the healing process.  Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal will cause a lowering of blood pressure and a release of strain and tension, and can draw out a person from loneliness and even depression.

 

Different from Service dogs who assist individuals with disabilities with issues like mobility, Therapy dogs are invited into facilities and do not have the same rights as Service dogs with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1992).

 

Team Muggles has been in the hospital, special education classes, library and also children abuse shelter settings.  Muggles listens to emerging readers who may be shy reading to a person, but have no hesitations reading to a dog.  She snuggles with children who need someone to love.  And she lovingly looks in the eyes of the affirm in long-term care facilities.  Muggles bring joy to many people in need of unconditional love—including her human pack members.