All dogs are ‘therapy dogs’

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Most researchers believe dogs are sensitive to our behaviors, body language and emotions. Many times, these four-legged therapists offer comfort when we need them the most. A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out our 7-year-old Lab Teddy’s toy basket, and when I pulled out seven tug-of-war toys I immediately slumped, then sighed and fought […]

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Local volunteers taking therapy dogs to Boulder to provide comfort to community

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COLORADO SPRINGS — Handling the tragedy of Monday’s mass shooting in Boulder can be hard for many, but a locally-founded group is hoping to provide comfort for the community one pet at a time. Go Team Therapy, Crisis and Airport dogs and their handlers have been making trips to Boulder after the deadly shooting that […]

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Therapy Dogs at Forest Glen Middle Bring More than Comfort to Students and Teachers

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Each day over the last three years, the peer counseling teacher at Forest Glen Middle School has brought two of man’s best friends into the workplace. Great Danes Brutus and Bodhi are staples at the school, and owner Shawna Meyer said even Principal Forsman likes to check in with them now and then. The dogs, part of […]

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Beloved canine moves on after helping hospital staff through a year of the pandemic

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(CNN) — Staff members at a Denver hospital have said a sad goodbye to Wynn, their canine companion for nearly two years and a presence during the Covid-19 pandemic that proved especially helpful. Wynn, a Labrador mix that’s going to become a service dog, walked out of the Rose Medical Center for the last time […]

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Pups lending a paw to UI police support team

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URBANA — University of Illinois students suffering from mental issues or just overwhelmed by stress now have a fully dedicated team of police employees in place to help them. Some are trained in crisis intervention, others are licensed clinical social workers, a few know just the right place to get help and others have four […]

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With pandemic restrictions, reading program for children moves online

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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As pandemic restrictions came down and library branches closed their doors, the children’s department at Parkway Central Library had to move a popular reading program online. The PAWS for Reading program, which teams up young readers with furry friends, is meant to develop kids’ confidence and improve their skills. Pet therapy […]

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Facts About the Incredible Human-Animal Bond

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Do you ever notice how fulfilled you feel when you spend time with your pet? How your pet can inspire joy while also somehow helping you feel less stressed? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet hoping for companionship, affection and love? These and many more positives are the result of the pet […]

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Good Girl: UWG Graduate’s Service Dog Receives Honorary ‘Dog-ree’

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When Maggie Leptrone, a nursing student at the University of West Georgia, walked across the stage at Commencement Saturday morning, she wasn’t alone. Mona, her Diabetic Alert Dog, fetched herself a diploma, too. Mona, a Labradoodle, became the first canine companion in UWG history to receive an honorary “dog-ree” during in-person Commencement ceremonies that honored […]

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Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara Continues to Serve in COVID Times

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With a motto of “Happiness has four legs and a purple bandana,” Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara not only spreads happiness but also transforms lives, according to Founder and Executive Director Karen Lee Stevens. While COVID has prevented hands-on experiences, Stevens and her dedicated volunteers are finding creative ways to serve the community during this […]

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Puppies are a powerful positive influence through pandemic

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Nearly all dog owners – 92 percent – responding to a recent survey by Rover.com said their dogs have had a positive impact on their mental during the coronavirus pandemic. About 73 percent of the 1,000 U.S. dog owners contacted in the survey viewed going for walks with their dogs as the leading canine-related activity […]

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