Teddy’s Story – From Adoption to Therapy Dog !

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Teddy is an amazing pup adopted from the OSPCA – Kent Branch shelter several years ago. He is now a therapy dog with St John Ambulance! Teddy and his owner Shreeni Lafontaine sat down with the OSPCA Kent Branch to answer some questions about what Teddy does and the positive impact he has on his new friends.

When asked “ What made you decide to train Teddy as a therapy dog ? “ Shreeni says from the very beginning she could see Teddy had a wonderful disposition. It later became very obvious to her that he demonstrated the compassion, care and the love that are the perfect characteristics of a therapy dog.

Dogs are an amazing antidote to depression. Life in a long-term care facility can be lonely and boring. A visit from a Therapy Dog can break the daily routine and stimulate the mind in dramatic ways. The most serious problem for older adults is not of disease; it’s loneliness. Therapy Dogs and their handlers can make a resident come alive, ultimately, inviting residents back to the world outside the facility in which they live.

Some of the ways older people benefit from pets are:

  • Bringing joy and laughter to daily life, which in later years is often uneventful

  • Giving the person something to do, talk about and think about, other than him or herself

  • Boosting overall morale

  • Stimulating exercise and activity

  • Helping people cope with illness, loss, and depression.

  • Lowering stress levels

  • Reminding them of their own pets

Teddy’s role as a therapy dog is simple but very important.  His job is to focus on people who are sick or who are living in retirement homes. He provides a friendship for them. They always look forward to his arrival, play with him , and talk with him. He goes around showing people love, companionship , and sometimes he even gets in the bed and cuddles at the nursing home. Teddy brings his friends happiness by simply spending time with them, which can mean the world to the person receiving it.

Thank you Teddy and Shreeni for sharing your wonderful story and for being such a positive part of our community !

 

 

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