Therapy dogs have been in use for thousands of years. Oh, not under that description always, but doing the same job. But it wasn’t until 1976 that therapy dogs became “official.” In that year, Elaine Smith founded Therapy Dogs International, the first registry for therapy dogs in the United States. The following year, the Delta Foundation (later changed to Delta Society) was formed to do research on how pets affect our lives. These and several other groups are providing therapy animals to people who can benefit people in need of animal-assisted therapy.
According to experts, any dog with the proper temperament can be a therapy dog. Both small and large breeds are commonly seen in use but there are some breeds that take naturally to it. Among small dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Bichon Frise, Pugs and Corgis are considered ideal. Among larger breeds, Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, Beagles, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers are well-suited to therapy.
It is the last breed, Goldies, who are currently headed to Boston to help the survivors of the blasts that occurred on Monday. The five dogs – Addy, Maggie, Luther, Ruthie and Isiah – are part of the Lutheran Church’s K-9 Comfort program. Up until yesterday, Addy and Maggie had been a Newtown Conn., helping those who are grieving and frightened. At one point, all of the group was there, bringing their gentle form of healing to that stricken community. They even attended President Obama’s speech at the interfaith memorial.
The First Lutheran Church, which is situated just four blocks from the finish line, is hosting the animals and their handlers. The pooches will be at bedsides, in schools and in homes, doing what they can to bring comfort to those who need them. They will even be attending church services. Pastor Ingo Dutzman, the pastor at First Lutheran believes the canines can help:
“Animals have an uncanny ability … to discern that you and I have sadness and distress,” Dutzmann said. “Rather than shying away from it, they’re attracted to it. They will literally go in a classroom of children and literally find the child most afraid of something.”
Therapy dogs have helped many people, from the ill to seniors, the disabled and even autistic children. It’s been clinically proven that just interacting with an animal can lower blood pressure, relieve stress and ease depression. People are more responsive and active even hours after a visit from a pet. Therapy animals provide comfort, something the people of Boston will be needing in the weeks and months to come. As resilient as Bostonians are, these therapy dogs will help them bounce back faster and that can only be good.
For more information on therapy dogs and how you can get involved, check with Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners. Many states have local groups, too, so Google “therapy dogs” and add your state. to find out if you have one.