Join to Community

Do you want to contribute by writing guest posts on this blog?

Please contact us and send us a resume of previous articles that you have written.

Member-only story

Angel On Leash: The Heartwarming Story of Therapy Dogs Making a Difference

Mark Mitchell

·5.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Angel On A Leash: Therapy Dogs And The Lives They Touch

5 min read

1k View Claps

58 Respond

Save

Listen

Long Haired Golden Retriever Therapy Dog Bringing Smiles To A Hospital Patient Angel On A Leash: Therapy Dogs And The Lives They Touch

Imagine being in a hospital, feeling lonely, anxious, and in pain. Now picture a fluffy four-legged friend walking into your room, wagging its tail, and bringing an instant smile to your face. This is the magic of Angel On Leash – an organization dedicated to using therapy dogs to bring joy, comfort, and healing to those in need.

What is Angel On Leash?

Angel On Leash is a nonprofit organization that trains and certifies therapy dogs to provide emotional support to people in various environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. These specially trained dogs, along with their dedicated handlers, make regular visits, spreading unconditional love wherever they go.

Founded in 2005 by Sarah Thompson, a passionate dog lover and advocate for the well-being of others, Angel On Leash began with a single therapy dog named Max. Sarah witnessed firsthand the positive impact Max had on individuals during visits to her local hospital, which inspired her to create an organization that could have a wider reach.

Angel on a Leash: Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch

by David Frei(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3428 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	203 pages

How Does Angel On Leash Make a Difference?

Angel On Leash believes in the power of the human-animal bond and how it can have a profound impact on emotional and physical well-being. Their therapy dogs provide comfort, reduce stress, and improve the overall quality of life for those they visit.

In hospitals, therapy dogs bring a welcomed distraction to patients facing challenging medical treatments. Studies have shown that interacting with therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even help with pain management. These furry friends provide a sense of companionship and create a positive atmosphere within the often sterile hospital environment.

Nursing homes can also greatly benefit from therapy dog visits. Residents often feel lonely and isolated, missing the companionship they once had. Therapy dogs provide much-needed social interaction, affection, and a reminder of the unconditional love that animals can provide. It's not uncommon to see smiles, laughter, and renewed spirits among the elderly residents when therapy dogs are around.

In schools, therapy dogs can support children with disabilities, mental health issues, or those who struggle with reading. The presence of a friendly dog can help children feel more relaxed, build confidence, and enhance their social skills. Reading to a therapy dog can create a non-judgmental environment, encouraging a love for reading and improving language skills.

Training and Certification

Angel On Leash ensures that their therapy dogs undergo extensive training to prepare them for their important work. Dogs receive obedience training, socialization, and learn specific skills necessary for different environments. Handlers also undergo training to understand their role in supporting the therapy dog and those they interact with.

Once trained, the dogs and handlers are assessed to earn their official certification as therapy dog teams. This certification serves as a guarantee that these dogs meet the highest standards of behavior, reliability, and are well-suited for the specific demands of their therapy work.

How to Get Involved?

If you are as passionate about the welfare of animals and helping people as Sarah Thompson was, you can get involved with Angel On Leash. Here are a few ways:

Donate: Consider making a financial contribution to support the training and certification of therapy dogs.
Volunteer: If you have a friendly and well-behaved dog, you can explore becoming a therapy dog handler and join the team.
Sponsorship: Angel On Leash welcomes businesses and organizations to become sponsors, helping expand the reach of their therapy dog programs.
Spread the Word: Share the heartwarming impact of Angel On Leash on social media, community organizations, and hospitals or schools in your area.

The Heartwarming Effect of Therapy Dogs

Through Angel On Leash, therapy dogs have touched the lives of countless individuals, creating lasting memories and providing much-needed comfort during difficult times. The joy in their eyes, the wagging tails, and the unconditional love they exude are reminders of the power of a simple act of kindness.

So, the next time you see a therapy dog spreading happiness, remember the dedication of organizations like Angel On Leash, whose mission is to bring light to those in darkness and make the world a better place one wagging tail at a time.