Well, we learned something new today!
When Author Dee Dee Davies sent us a copy of her recent Children’s book: Bentley’s Day Out, we were honored to be asked, and eager to learn!
Davis’ book, beautifully illustrated by Julia Miranda Louzada, discusses the role of therapy dogs and the important differences between this group of working dogs, who exist to support emotionally.
And ‘service dogs’, who perform certain required tasks, such as assisting the sight or hearing impaired, or alerting diabetic owners to an impending episode of hypoglycemia.
While aimed primarily at Children, we in the K9 office learned too! This book is a phenomenal tool for teaching kids an important part of responsible interaction with dogs, but it’s a lovely addition to any dog owner’s library.
Dee Dee’s book can be found on Amazon:
Bentley's Day Out: A Day with Bentley... by Dee Dee Davis (amazon.com)
Bentley’s day out really made us think about the importance of having dogs trained to be calm in busy environments, to act gently around children and the elderly, and to first and foremost be there for comfort.
We were so impressed and intrigued that we dug around to learn more about therapy dogs.
Thanks for the inspiration, Dee Dee. All the best in your literary journey!
The Use of Therapy Dogs Throughout History
An ancient source of comfort and healing
Therapy dogs have been providing comfort and support to humans for centuries. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support and companionship to people in various settings.
From ancient civilizations to modern times, therapy dogs have played a significant role in improving the well-being of individuals in need. The concept of using animals for therapeutic purposes can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
In ancient Greece, dogs were often used in healing rituals and were believed to possess healing powers. The Romans also recognized the therapeutic benefits of dogs and used them in hospitals to provide comfort to patients.
These early civilizations understood the innate ability of dogs to provide emotional support and alleviate stress.
Therapy dogs more recently
In more recent history, therapy dogs gained prominence during World War II. The American Red Cross initiated the "Dogs for Defense" program, which trained dogs to provide emotional support to soldiers recovering from physical and psychological trauma.
These dogs helped soldiers cope with the stress of war and provided a sense of comfort and companionship during their recovery. The use of therapy dogs continued to grow in the following decades.
In the 1960s, the concept of animal-assisted therapy gained recognition in the medical field. Dogs were introduced into hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to assist in the healing process.
The presence of therapy dogs helped patients reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. Today, therapy dogs are utilized in various settings, including hospitals, schools, airports, and disaster areas.
These dogs are trained to interact with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, providing emotional support and comfort. In hospitals, therapy dogs visit patients to alleviate stress and anxiety, particularly in pediatric wards and oncology units.
The presence of a friendly and non-judgmental dog can create a positive distraction and improve the overall well-being of patients. In educational settings, therapy dogs have become increasingly popular.
For caregivers and educators supporting autistic children who may occasionally engage in head banging or other self-injury, managing self-injury in children with autism outlines evidence-informed strategies—recognizing sensory or medical triggers, safety planning, and calming techniques—that can complement the regulation and comfort therapy dogs provide.
They are often brought into schools to assist children with special needs, such as those with autism or learning disabilities. Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to improve social skills, reduce anxiety, and increase focus and attention in students.
What other smart people think
Research has consistently shown the numerous benefits of therapy dogs on human health and well-being. A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services revealed that therapy dogs can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with mental health disorders.
Furthermore, therapy dogs have been proven to enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses. A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine demonstrated that therapy dogs can provide emotional support and improve the overall mood of patients in palliative care.
The positive impact of therapy dogs is not limited to physical and mental health. They also play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery. After natural disasters or traumatic events, therapy dogs are deployed to provide comfort to survivors and first responders.
Their presence helps alleviate stress and trauma, allowing individuals to cope with their emotions more effectively.
In conclusion, therapy dogs have a long and rich history of providing emotional support and comfort to humans. From ancient civilizations to modern times, these dogs have played a vital role in improving the well-being of individuals in various settings.
The use of therapy dogs continues to grow, with research consistently highlighting their numerous benefits to human health. Whether in hospitals, schools, or disaster areas, therapy dogs have proven to be a source of healing, companionship, and unconditional love.
To find out more about registering a dog as an emotional support animal, see the following link
Register Your Emotional Support Animal Online | US Service Animals
