DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCEPET THERAPY

MAKES

Companionship…

Everyo

ne

deserv

es

love…

And a smile!

Canine Companions Pet Therapy ProgramStudies have proven that their overall well being can be improved when spending time with a four legged friend.

Some of those benefits include:

๏ Lower Blood Pressure ๏ Lower Cholesterol Levels ๏ Decrease Feelings of Loneliness ๏ Encourage Activity through Range of

Motion ๏ Affection and Unconditional Love ๏ Sense of Feeling Needed and Wanted ๏ Decrease Feelings of Isolation

๏ Memory Recall ๏ Sensory Stimulation ๏ Non-Verbal

Communication ๏ Increase in Social

AbilitiesDiscover the difference a four legged friend makes

Whether young or old!

OUR THERAPY DOGS IN ACTION

Connecting with Special Needs

Children

Hospital Visits Home Visits

Who does this for you?

Benefits:The National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a workshop on the health benefits of pet companionship including a study that proved pets boost survival rates, promote regular exercise and lower blood pressures (an effect that family members, no matter how loving, can’t match). More surprising is the key role of chemistry in the relationship when a person interacts with a pet, the central nervous system releases several hormones that cause feelings of pleasure – and one hormone in particular, oxytocin, appears to play a major role in reinforcing the bond. Oxytocin creates a sense of warmth, nurturing and calm. Loneliness seems to be the most serious condition an elderly person can face. Dogs not only help the elderly overcome the pain of loneliness but dogs show companionship and affection. Dogs can make one laugh and divert the mind away from troubles; they aid in relaxation and relieve stress and anxiety.

People with disabilities gain physical mobility and massive improvements in mood simply by being around dogs. Dogs do not see individuals with disabilities any different than those without, thus providing unconditional love and companionship. Socialization, friendship and support are other benefits our canines provide. Animal visits and animal assisted therapy have existed for many years within nursing homes and hospital settings based upon the belief that people benefit from interactions with pets.

Be amazed!

In what way could you benefit?

A wide range of human health professionals and practitioners recognize what many people in the animal caregiving fields and everyday pet owners have known for years: that pets can be good for our health and well-being. Companion animals are being introduced into the therapeutic regimens of nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, behavioral health programs and others. Therapeutic riding improves the motor skills and coordination of the physically challenged. Pets help inmates in correctional facilities and juvenile offenders to learn empathy and compassion. Dogs can help reluctant readers read. Seniors have discovered that a pet can help them maintain independent living. Military veterans are using therapy dogs and horses to help them cope with ADHD. Canine exercise programs are helping people overcome obesity. In short, wherever people have special needs, someone with passion and an animal with the proper temperament can create an imaginative way to being pets and people together for mutual benefit.

SOME OF OUR FRIENDS…Ernie

Dixie

Karl & Nathan

Zeus & Cookie