Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) has an exceptional registry of committed, loyal Handlers who follow through on their commitments and ATD applauds each and every one of you. But sometimes a facility or an event falls short in some way, making our visits difficult. What to do? Start with a conversation with your contact person. [...]
Why did you want to bring therapy dogs into your facility? This training command is a service member's first stop after boot camp, so they are often missing home and working to adjust to this new lifestyle. With the high stress environment they are in, one of our goals is to provide our service members [...]
Hospice Therapy Dogs In the challenging stages of end-of-life care, each moment of joy becomes a precious gift, which is why hospice therapy dog visits are known to be treasured for hospice patients and their loved ones. There is much more to therapy dogs than just their cuteness. They offer warmth and connection that can [...]
The Importance of Therapy Dogs and the Military The importance of therapy dogs on military bases has emerged as a vital role in supporting military personnel. These furry companions not only share smiles and joy but they offer tremendous emotional comfort to those who are grappling with the complex challenges of their duties. Learn more [...]
The Impact of Exam Stress Exam stress can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. Late-night study sessions and nervousness often lead to anxiety, nausea, and headaches, which are all commonly associated with exam stress. How to reduce stress and anxiety during exams To support students during exam season, many college campuses have [...]
Therapy Dogs go Pro Bone-o Courtrooms can have a tense atmosphere. People often feel intimidated and overwhelmed when they attend court. That’s why ATD offers free visits of therapy dogs in courtroom proceedings to help ease the tension. Therapy dogs in courtrooms can help ease the stress and anxiety of victims and witnesses, particularly children [...]
Therapy Dogs For First Responders First responders have an important job to do. They are quickly ready to help in emergencies and often put their lives on the line to make sure others are safe. While we acknowledge their heroism, their occupational stress can take a toll on their mental health. That’s where therapy dogs [...]
Companionship For Seniors: Therapy Dogs In Retirement Homes Visits to retirement homes, from therapy dogs, have become increasingly popular as it has become obvious that dogs are an excellent source of companionship for seniors. They don’t judge, they don’t scold, and instead, they offer unconditional love and kindness. And after all, isn’t a dog man’s [...]
Photo credit: ATD Former Board Member Peggy Grookett Free Therapy Dog Home Visits Dogs can be wonderful for our well-being. When we take them for walks, we step outside and exercise, when we are feeling low, they are nearby, ready to snuggle. Though some people may not be able to experience the joys of being [...]
Therapy Dogs At Funeral Homes There can be a delicate atmosphere present at funerals. Emotions like grief, loneliness, and sadness can take over, leaving bereaved people in a vulnerable state. While grieving can be overwhelming for some, therapy dogs at funeral homes can help provide comfort during this difficult time. The Benefits of Therapy Dogs [...]
