Nursing Home, Health Care Facility & Assisted Living Center Visits

I love people, especially the elderly. I love to have them talk to me and pet me. I sit very still so they can tell me things that make them feel better. As a Therapy Dogs International (TDI) therapy dog, I am qualified to go into nursing homes and assisted care facilities to spend time with people that need some special attention. Many of these people used to have pets, and really enjoy the opportunity to pet a dog and visit with me. Feel free to Schedule me.

Therapy Dogs International, (TDI) is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed. TDI is a non-profit organization. There is no charge for visitations. The primary object of the TDI dog and handler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, and other institutions or groups. This is done in a way that increases emotional well being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for the people.

Regular visits from a therapy dog and their handler can provide stimulation and conversation for patients in a variety of health care facility settings. TDI Dogs bring sparkle to a sterile day and rekindle old memories of previously owned pets. Four-footed therapists give something special to enhance the health and well-being of others. It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching, and talking with animals, patients's blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression is eased. Much has been written about the health benefits of owning and having regular contact with a dog or pet. Many articles on the subject can be found at the Delta Society's Article and Bibliography section.

Therapy Dogs are not service dogs or assistance dogs and are not to used for people with disabilities. Therapy Dogs through the TDI program are available to provide emotional service only. The main activity being provided by the Therapy Dog is an opportunity for the patient to meet the dog, pet the dog, and interact with the dog in a positive setting which has numerous therapeutic and motivational benefits. TDI's Liability insurance covers the dog-handler team in the case that an incident occurs during an official visit. For more specific information on the insurance coverage, please visit TDI's web site.

Holly The Newf is a natural when it comes to working with the elderly and the disabled. Newfoundlands are by nature and breed standard very gentle and loving. Therapy work comes naturally to this breed. Holly The Newf's gentle spirit allows her to connect easily with all kinds of people in a variety of settings. If you would like to schedule Holly The Newf to visit your nursing home, health care facility, or group please fill out our Schedule Us form.