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How
many times have you felt blue and with just a hug and one look at your
newf , your world all of a sudden became brighter? Just think what a
wonderful feeling it would be if you could share that experience with
others. Animal-assisted therapy programs allow you to do just that.
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Therapy
dogs bring love, smiles and, in many instances, emotional and physical
healing to those in need. They are used in many different types of
settings…nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, group homes,
and hospitals, to name but a few. Your imagination may be the only
limitation in finding a place
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The disposition of the
Newfoundland makes it a natural for this type of
work. They are gentle, laid back and have that magnetic appeal that
makes most everyone want to pet them and be close to them. Of course,
there is the drool, so be prepared to go armed with your towels!
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When
arranging for a place for you and your newf to visit, it is important
that you go to the facility beforehand to see if it is too hot or too
crowded for your partner. On your visits, make sure you bring fresh
water and a bowl (and again extra towels!). Ice cubes can make for less
of a mess. And keep your eye on your partner. He or she will let you
know when they have visited long enough.
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Before
beginning any animal-assisted therapy work, it is a good idea to first
get you and your newf certified. Not only will you be covered under the
organization’s liability insurance policy (this is the case with most
of the national organizations), it also will provide you with the
training you need, the temperament/situation testing for your newfie,
and provide you with access to others involved in therapy work
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Thank
You to our great Therapy dogs and their handlers:
Ben
and Pat Dowell, Little Duke and Shirley Boldt, and Callie and Cheryl
Dondino;
for
sharing their photos on our page.
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