Therapy Dogs
The President of France stated, “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” – Charles De Gaulle. Dogs are a man’s best friend and they bring joy into their owners’ lives; consequently, the pets have evolved into respected assistants in our society to aid citizens who need extra support. Therapy dogs are a beneficial and crucial factor in restoring happiness and comfort in the bitter society we live in today; likewise, they also provide a remedy to citizens with disabilities and other mental issues.
There are many benefits in owning a dog as a pet; consequently, they bring laugher and joy to the lives of their owners. In Foer’s article, “My Life as a Dog”, he elaborates on how dogs are the key to happiness. He also talks about how he loves his dog and that it is the only thing that brings comfort to him. In the last paragraph he describes his dog as carefree, which is exactly how dogs are. Pets help their owner feel loved and needed; likewise, dogs provide a sense of companionship and sense of purpose to their owners. In a recent survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 74% of pet owners said having a pet improved their mental health. For people who live alone, having a dog is essential, so they do not develop a sense of loneliness or feel unwanted.
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These unique dogs have a long history in being suitable for helping citizens and being valuable in our community. As Science Daily stated, the first organization developed for therapy dogs was in 1976 and founded by Elaine Smith. The first official TDI visit took place that very same year in New Jersey. Five handlers and six dogs, all German Shepherds, started a service legacy that would grow to over 24,000 registered dog/handler teams in just 34 years. From then on, many dogs are still being used to help and assist many citizens in our