Animal Assisted Therapy is different from Animal Assisted Activities…

AAT is a form of canine therapy that incorporates animals as a form of treatment.

More structured – with a specific goal, a professional health provider (often an occupational or physical therapist) is responsible for the individualized treatment plan with one-on-one human to animal interactions.  

Many hospitals, rehabilitation and occupational therapy facilities are embracing the potential therapeutic benefits by incorporating AAT in the overall plan of a patients treatment.

IMPROVING TREATMENT OUTCOMES – 

The impact AAT has with children in a pediatric outpatient rehabilitation setting is nothing short of miraculous.

To witness a child “press through” his/her discomfort because they are doing it with a therapy dog just melts your heart. 

This is where I want Jaxson to share his Doodle-love. He certainly has the energy and I know he would go the distance with the child. 

The Medical University of South Carolina’s Pet Therapy Program is currently supporting the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center with AAT. We will soon have a presence in an adult Physical / Occupational Therapy Clinic. #cantwait

ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY –

There is no doubt in my mind how Jaxson will see his role. He is there to entertain the child.

Nothing in the rehabilitation center frightened him. He seemed quite comfortable on the trampoline…

Walking up and down the ramps…

Even I was surprised to see him pose on the balance ball…

He hasn’t been matched up with a patient yet, but when that happens we he will be ready! In the meantime there’s still plenty of work for him visiting patients (AAA) families and medical staff.

WORKING WITH MY DOGS –

There’s nothing like working in a job that you are super passionate about. In years past, as I traveled all over the world chasing after Doodle Dad dragging two kids with me as he pursued his military dreams – I found jobs I enjoyed. This though, is something different. Working with my dogs has to be the ultimate for me. To learn more about AAT and the fascinating human – pet therapy teams I am blessed to work with – read my first interview in this new exciting role.

ONE MORE THING –

If you haven’t entered our Campfire natural dog treat giveaway please hop on over pronto. CLICK HERE and take a chance to be one of three winners to receive a bag of dehydrated 100% natural – one ingredient chicken necks. The boys can’t get enough of them!

Fri – nally it’s Friday ❤️