|
Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer,
Dr. Russell and Natrelle Long Professor and Director
of the Companion Animal Program,
and Willow Kate, AKC Labrador Retriever,
are a registered therapy dog team
through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs sends out opportunities,
within the community,
asking for participation from therapy dog teams.
A social worker from a local children's foster home had reached out to ATD, as she was planning a series of “Mental Health Mondays.” Throughout the summer, one of those Mondays was to be an opportunity for the children to interact with therapy dog teams.
Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer volunteered
with two other therapy dog teams.
Dr. Newcomer and Willow Kate had the opportunity to play
and encourage over 40 children of various ages.
They asked questions about Willow Kate, gave her treats,
and received “doggy kisses” in return.
"Animal relationships have been shown to support
the psychological well-being across a range of social groups, including individuals with disabilities, elderly people, and residential patients in psychiatric facilities.
They may also be shown to help children in foster care."
-Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer
| 
