Int. Therapy Dog Hunter Hammon
"Hunter"

International Therapy Dog: Therapy dogs provide a great service to patients in hospitals or those going through tough times by offering affection and encouragement.

 

Any pet parent knows that loving an animal makes you feel good. For people who are sick, injured, or recovering from surgery, that warm, pet-loving feeling can actually translate into better health and a quicker recovery. The effects are so positive that a special class of animals, known as therapy dogs, is actually trained to offer affection to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. Their job is to help those who are at their weakest gain strength and the motivation to get well.

 

WHAT A THERAPY DOG IS

 

Therapy animals have been shown to help people gain physical, emotional, social, and cognitive ability. A patient’s stress level, heart rate, and blood pressure might all show improvement after a visit from a therapy dog who shares unconditional love. The effects seem to be due to both the immediate interaction with these affectionate animals as well as the reminder that there’s life outside the hospital or medical facility. A visit from a therapy dog can also stir happy memories that brighten patients’ outlooks on life and encourage them to continue treatments.    

 

For patients who have physical injuries or have had a stroke, holding and petting a therapy dog can also offer an opportunity to exercise muscles, letting them take the first steps towards building back their physical strength.

 

· What are the requirements for joining TDI?

To belong to Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a TDI temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test will also include the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). 

 

· What are the health requirements?

We require an continuously updated Health Record Form to be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian.

 

How to obtain more information for TDI?

Our mailing address is: 88 Bartley Road, Flanders, New Jersey 07836; Tel: (973) 252-9800; Fax: (973) 252-7171; e-mail: tdi@gti.net

 

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AKC Fit Dog Participant- Now more than ever, fitness is important for both dogs and people. The most commonly recommended exercise to improve fitness is walking. Walking is considered a safe activity that improves muscular strength, circulation, memory, weight loss, increases energy, helps with sleep, and reduces stress. The American Heart Association recommends walking a minimum of 150 minutes per week.

 

Participation in the AKC FIT DOG program will bring health benefits to both you and your dog.

If you walk with your dog on a regular basis, join the ranks of AKC FIT DOG and get your free (5-3/4 inches) FIT DOG logo car magnet.

 

The AKC FIT DOG magnet proudly declares to the world that you are committed to your dog’s health and fitness through regular exercise.