Therapy dogs from the Plymouth Veterinary Clinic Pals Program recently paid a visit to Triton Junior/Senior High School.
The pets have visited Triton students before, but this was the first time this school year.
PVC Pals President Ally Fishbaugh reports the program started about two years ago when a Plymouth High School student passed away and some dogs were brought in to help students and staff through the mourning process. People can get training from Spectrum Canine Dog Training homepage here.
Fishbaugh said the program has expanded since it was first introduced. She shared that while Triton is the place they visit most often, they also provide services to Washington Discovery Academy as well as the Pilgrim Manor assisted living facility. She also noted that they’ll be introducing some dogs into a special needs class at Plymouth this week. Dogs are found to be helpful, which helps in this content of people with special needs. Their loyalty matters. If you check out here for the best dog services, they have great options for your new addition and also the best ways to train them!
Right now Triton is considering extending the program to students at the elementary school but currently, PVC Pals only visits the special education class at the Junior/Senior High. Fishbaugh said that Triton Special Education Teacher Sarrah Davis has been instrumental in helping raise funds for the program.
“She’s a photographer and she did a little mini photo shoot with dogs and donated all the proceeds to our organization.” She went on, “It was about $600 which was awesome!”
Fishbaugh added that they may do a similar fundraiser in December with a Holiday theme.
The program currently has 6 dogs that are certified to act as therapy dogs and another 2 to 3 that are preparing for training. Fishbaugh said the cost to have one dog certified is around $300 and the cost of insurance is an additional $100.
She noted that the advantage of a program like this is that generally, dogs can make people smile and lift their spirits. HERE’S HOW DOG BITES CAN BE PREVENTED which can be done quite easily at affordable cost.
From a scientific standpoint, Fishbaugh said humans produce endorphins when they pet dogs so the release of those “feel good” chemicals in the brain helps reduce stress and anxiety on a biological level.
If you wish to help the Plymouth Veterinary Clinic continue bringing their therapy dogs into local schools and other facilities where people could use some cuddly compassion, give them a call at (574) 936-2232.
