Dog therapy is one of the types of zootherapy that enhances treatment effects for children and adults struggling with various diseases and disorders. It involves including a carefully selected and trained dog in the therapeutic process, led by a qualified guide. The therapy dog ​​is an irreplaceable assistant to the human therapist and facilitates the achievement of planned therapy goals. Direct contact with the dog, touch, stroking, or cuddling triggers positive emotions, helps improve mood, and thus reduces and accelerates the therapeutic process. Sessions are conducted in groups or individually and are always adapted to the patient's abilities and needs. The form of sessions and the selection of activities and tasks for the therapy dog ​​are always an integral part of the therapeutic process. On the other hand, educational classes accelerate children's learning process. The mere presence of a dog during classes motivates children to learn, facilitates knowledge acquisition, and exercises the ability to concentrate. This form of sessions is conducted in kindergartens and schools in groups and individually.

 

Cookie is our first MAS, thanks to whom I started my adventure with dog therapy in January 2024. In just a few months, Cookie, as the first MAS in Europe, passed the rigorous PADA test confirming her predisposition to work in dog therapy and a practical exam certified by the International AAS Alliance. Currently, Cookie and I are volunteers in the Animals for People Association and conduct sessions supporting the therapy of patients in psychiatric wards in Warsaw hospitals (seniors, children, and adolescents). Considering my diploma in psychology, we are a high qualified team :)

 

Dog therapy is incredibly addictive :) Transferring good energy and bringing smiles to the faces of the most needy and struggling with illnesses is simply addictive. Cookie is loved for her incredible delicacy, gentleness, lack of impatience, openness to all people, and the joy she expresses with her whole body in contact with every person.

Thank you to Patti Bailey-Cutler for the excellent gene synergy and Diane Dance for the fantastic raising of Cookie. Leo's genes paid off a thousandfold. I am convinced many of Cookie's children will find fulfillment in dog therapy, just like their mother.