Therapy dogs being used more to help with emotional support, healing
March 27, 2020
While emotional support dogs are for one person, therapy dogs are for everyone, said Robin Ash, therapy dog trainer and handler.
Therapy dogs provide many benefits in many different places, including at Cabell Huntington Hospital, where 14 therapy dogs (a 15th was just approved) visit patients to lift their spirits and provide some much-needed emotional healing.
Donna May, Volunteer Services and Guest Relations manager at Cabell Huntington Hospital, said patients who visit with the therapy dogs show an almost immediate difference.
“Some people say this isn’t a place for dogs, but for those that do love them, it does so much,” May said. “It’s healing. It’s therapeutic. It soothes them. They pet them, and you can just see the relaxation come over them.”
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