Studies have shown that stroking and touching a dog have helped to lower blood pressure, calm the mentally challenged and refresh the mind of the confused.
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program has trained volunteers and their dogs who visit seniors at establishments throughout the North Okanagan.
“Unlike even the best intentioned humans, therapy dogs are completely accepting of people to whom they are introduced, offering unconditional love and affection,” said facilitator Jo-Ann Johnston.
Any dog of sound temperament with current rabies and vaccinations, can become a therapy dog once it passes the St. John Ambulance therapy dog evaluation — it is not an obedience test.
“An evaluator simply tests the dog’s reaction to people and other dogs in a variety of simulated situations that could occur when visiting.”
Volunteers must be at least 18 and willing to devote at least a couple of hours every two weeks for at least a year.
For further information, please call Johnston at 250-542-6369 or St. John Ambulance at 250-542-1093.
