A pet therapy dog is trained to provide friendship, comfort and companionship during visits to homes, hospitals, assisted living communities and other settings. These animals have a proven record of safe interaction with strangers of all ages plus medical equipment in a variety of environments. They consistently respond to commands and make themselves available to clients. They approach people gently and only on command, yet they show great affection.
Did you know that dogs visited hospitals to comfort wounded soldiers during World War II? For years, animal-assisted therapy has been used to enhance people’s lives and positively impact their social, emotional and cognitive health. In nursing homes that incorporate pet therapy, researchers found decreases in prescription drug use and total cost of care. During home visits, pet therapy allows people to receive all the love, joy and affection an animal brings without handling the everyday care needs of a pet. Not only do pets create a fun and relaxing environment, studies have shown they improve the health of clients and caregivers.
Lacey, our certified pet therapy dog, is a Yellow Labrador who was born on January 13, 2011 and adopted by Bob Roth, our managing partner, at 10 weeks old. Lacey is loyal, affectionate and social, and loves meeting new people. She enjoys ear scratches, playing fetch and especially making people smile and laugh. With each home visit, Lacey delivers feelings of joy and happiness to those she meets through her unconditional and undeniable love of humans. Lacey’s gentle demeanor and extraordinary manners make her the perfect dog for providing love and affection for people at home.
