Animal Assisted Therapy
Delta Society’s formal definition of Animal-Assisted Therapy is, "AAT is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise and within the scope of practice of his/her profession.” The important aspect of this is that Animal Assisted Therapy aids in improvements in patients’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. They interpret cognitive functioning to mean thinking and intellectual skills. They report that this can be delivered in group or individual settings. They state that requirements of AAT are that there are specific goals and objectives and that the process and progress are measured and documented.
What a therapy dog does:
• Calms angry moods
• Keeps secrets
• Validates feelings
• Show respect
• Follows rules, limits, boundaries
• Takes you for a walk
• Dries your tears
• Gives hugs—kisses if you want
• Shares his treats
• Listens to you---seldom interrupts
• Teaches social skills
About our therapy dogs
Kotter has retired and we are in the process of replacing him with a new therapy dog. He will be missed.
Kotter's replacement in training is our adorable "Hampton"!