Therapy Dogs

The significance of the human-animal bond has garnered not only clinical but research interest. Research has indicated that our connection with animals, particularly dogs, is historical, neurobiological, social, and emotional. Research has shown strong evidence that therapy dogs are helpful for multiple populations in a variety of contexts. Using pets in therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport, help clients to become more cognizant of emotional reactions, and support resiliency in individual and group sessions (Perry, Rubinstein & Austin, 2012).

Therapy Dogs

The significance of the human-animal bond has garnered not only clinical but research interest. Research has indicated that our connection with animals, particularly dogs, is historical, neurobiological, social, and emotional. Research has shown strong evidence that therapy dogs are helpful for multiple populations in a variety of contexts. Using pets in therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport, help clients to become more cognizant of emotional reactions, and support resiliency in individual and group sessions (Perry, Rubinstein & Austin, 2012).

About The Therapy Dogs

Sassafras “Sassy” Johnson is a 17 pound female Boston Terrier who is an AKC Registered Therapy Dog. Howie, a 21 pound male Boston, is also an AKC Registered Therapy Dog. And Rowdy, a 19 pound male Boston Terrier, is also an AKC Registered Therapy Dog. In addition to working at Empowered Life Counseling, Sassy, Howie and Rowdy visit nursing homes and elementary schools as a therapy dog. Moo, a 13 pound female Boston Terrier, is a Therapy-Dog-In-Training and she hopes to earn her AKC registered-status this year.