Therapy dogs provide affection, comfort

Caroline Glasscock rocks her pit bull to sleep every night for thirty minutes. ‘My kids and grandkids get jealous,? she said. ‘They’re more than just dogs, they’re a part of the family.?
It’s clear Glasscock loves dogs, making her the perfect president of the foundation ‘Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs?.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning disabilities. Anyone who owns a dog, that has already had obedience training, and wants to volunteer their time can go through the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program to become a certified handler with a certified therapy dog.
And on March 2, 13 more pairs of dogs and owners met at the Goodrich United Methodist Church to join the ranks of other therapy dogs and handlers. This marked the beginning of their 12-week training session to become certified.
The dogs are affectionate and compassionate, making them the perfect visitors for senior citizens who may be lonely, added Glasscock.
Among the facilities Glasscock visits with her dog is the Lapeer Senior Center.
‘It just makes them happy. Their blood pressure is better, and their attitude is better.?
Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs Vice-president Mark Williams has plenty of uplifting stories as well.
‘I went into the hospital with my therapy dog Titus, and there was an elderly lady with Alzheimer’s and she was screaming and having a really hard time. Titus went in and sat alongside her, he wasn’t going to leave until she was calmed.?
When working, the dogs don’t bark, jump, or urinate. Their job is to be lovable and friendly. Because they’re service dogs they can go into public places that most other dogs can’t. The dogs are insured for liability, although it’s extremely rare for them to get aggressive.
‘The dogs are like our children, except I like my dog,? Williams joked.
If you’re interested in having a therapy dog stop in for a visit, contact Caroline Glasscock at 810-308-9921 or 810-234-3234.

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