Here’s how to get a therapy dog visit on the Sunshine Coast

Q: What is the therapy dog ​​program… and can I have visitors?

A: A lovely brochure landed on my desk recently. It’s for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. It’s a program where volunteer dogs (and their human handlers) visit people who are feeling lonely, struggling with illnesses, are looking for more support, or just need a little boost of love and companionship. At the resource center we see so much need in the areas of mental health support and shoreside companionship.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, speakers Heather Fowler and Rob Haneck say the program is actively looking for people who enjoy dog ​​visits! This can be individuals or groups, from adult day programs, senior groups, grant programs, workplaces, social groups and much more. Also, if you are organizing a special community event, the dogs and handlers would love to join.

From Miniature Poodles to Great Danes, those who want a therapy dog ​​visit can expect visits once a week. This gives clients, dogs and handlers the opportunity to build a real relationship.

While you may already be convinced that you want to give these dogs tummy rubs and are wondering where to sign up, know that there’s science behind it too: The therapy dog ​​brochure states, “The petting of dogs.” Proven to lower blood pressure, calm those who are agitated and refresh the minds of those who are confused or stressed.”

With Back to School in mind, there’s a child-focused program under the therapy dog ​​umbrella called Paws 4 Stories, making its Coastal debut this year. Dogs and their handlers enter schools and libraries to develop children’s reading and communication skills. It sounds like a super nice format to support learning and confidence building for all kids, especially those with brain differences or disabilities. Children will benefit from the rest and relaxation that dogs can provide, as well as the opportunity to read to a certified St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for 20 minutes (so cute)! I can’t help but wonder how often these dogs Where’s Spot, Clifford the Big Red Dog or Oh No, George! Or maybe they prefer Pete the Cat. Notably, the kid-oriented dogs all passed a special evaluation that shows they can work with children.

Regardless of whether the dogs work with children or adults, all dogs and volunteers must go through a routine screening process that includes a background check. Participating dogs must be confirmed by their veterinarians to have all current vaccines etc while remaining well cared for and in good health. Also, St. John Ambulance requires dogs to pass “character and aptitude assessments” to ensure each dog is the Fido type, able to adapt to any number of situations that may arise on all types of visits.

In terms of the people who keep this program running, the therapy dog ​​program is always looking for more owners and their dogs or just dog-loving people who are willing to be trained as therapy dog ​​volunteers. So, to build on my last column promoting the tremendous (or in some cases urgent) need for volunteering on the coast right now, here is another worthy organization that would appreciate your interest and help!

If you’d like to sign up for a visit from a snuggly, woofy, furry friend — or if you know someone who does, Heather or Rob can be reached at 604-747-3113 or email sunshine_coasttdp@sjabcy .approx . If the thought of doing this type of volunteer work sounds like something you could do, get in touch!

Angie Theilmann is the Information and Referral Specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information centre. Please note that starting in September, the Resource Center will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is recommended to make an appointment to ensure we are at your disposal. Contact us: [email protected] or 604-885-4088.