ThedaCare At Home Hospice Therapy Dog Program Growing
A dog can be a comfortable companion for those who are sick. “The physical touch of therapy dogs is a great comfort, providing love, support and animal companionship,” said Molly Johnson, owner and consultant with Canine Comfort, LLC.
ThedaCare At Home Hospice is seeking four legged volunteers for therapy dog programs in Waupaca and Appleton. “We are conducting comprehensive hospice therapy dog training this spring and are looking for qualified dogs and their owners,” said Johnson, who coordinates the program.
The program provides therapeutic visits for hospice patients by offering the physical touch of the therapy dogs. “The dogs bring back their own memories, like of their own personal pet,” said Johnson. “Therapy dog visits reduce loneliness, provide an opportunity for life review, and offer a welcome change from routine. Reduction of stress, anxiety, and incidences of depression are scientifically proven benefits.”
Interested volunteers should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with many different populations. Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year of age. “They must be calm, gentle, polite, and comfortable interacting with unfamiliar people in unfamiliar settings,” said Johnson.
Comprehensive therapy dog training and registration is provided at no cost to handler by Johnson. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, contact: Molly Johnson at mjohnson@caninecomfort.us or by phone at 920-716-1890.
ThedaCare™ is a community health system consisting of seven hospitals: Appleton Medical Center, Theda Clark Medical Center, ThedaCare Medical Center-New London, Shawano Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, Berlin Memorial Hospital and Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital. ThedaCare also includes ThedaCare Physicians, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, and ThedaCare at Home. ThedaCare is the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with more than 6,800 employees. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
