Isabella checking out a squirrel before a visit.

Isabella the therapy dog.

July and August are truly the dog days of summer for me. But not in the way you might think. When my Welsh Springer spaniel Isabella pads into a local nursing home, she transforms what could be a long, hum-drum day into a special time for residents and for me.

For the last five years, she has been a registered pet therapy dog and I, her lowly master, a certified pet therapist. Isabella cheers up and charms patients, many of whom have Alzheimer's and dementia. I make the rounds with her, sometimes lifting her hind legs so someone in a wheelchair can get closer for a hug or placing an unsteady hand on the dog's velvet-soft ears. Isabella's favorite stop: third floor, first door on the right, where the resident keeps a jar of cookies just for her.

While residents may be out of it in the long-term, they are definitely in the moment when she appears. They coo over her coffee-colored and white spots and talk animatedly about the beloved dogs they used to own. Over and over they ask her name, age (8) and breed.

Animal magnetism

Part of a dog's appeal is that it isn't judgmental, only wants affection, and could care less about your age, looks, personality or physical limitations. Unconditional love is a beautiful thing! That is why dogs, in particular, are being used in mental health and nursing home settings and some eldercare facilities encourage pet ownership.

I became interested in pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, after seeing specially trained dogs comfort families of 9/11 victims just hours after the attacks. I knew Isabella was unusually pretty and sweet and I wanted to share the pleasure I get from her.

After a quick online search of pet therapy programs in my area, I found Caring Canines. Isabella was required to take "the good dog test": obey commands, ride with no drama in an elevator (nursing homes have them), get along with other dogs, and remain calm when wheelchairs and walkers bump into her. It was a walk in the park. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Other purrfect animals

Dogs are the most common therapy pets, but cats, horses, rabbits, and fish, specifically dolphins for autistic children, are also used therapeutically.

Equine therapy programs are also popular. They teach problem-solving skills, assertiveness and self-confidence. Horses work with:

  • Developmentally delayed children
  • Cerebral palsy kids
  • Emotionally disturbed teens
  • Prisoners
  • Substance abuse victims
  • Women with eating disorders
Pets are a quick study Medicinal benefits from the human-animal bond abound. Studies show:
  • 76 patients hospitalized for heart failure and hypertension visited by a therapy dog for 12 minutes had improved boosted heart and lung function, and less anxiety and stress.
  • Hormones like serotonin that affect mood rose significantly after interaction with a dog, reports Dr. Rebecca Johnson of the Center of Excellence on Aging of Missouri-Columbia.
  • At a conference on pets' health impact on people, Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward Creagan noted seniors who own pets made 21% less doctor visits and have lower blood pressure and better coping skills.
  • Ohio penitentiaries where prisoners raise seeing-eye dogs report fewer disciplinary problems and increased self-esteem.
  • Older women visited by dogs had decreased blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation.
  • Pets reduced loneliness in older people, strengthened social interaction and decreased depression after visits.
  • Patients were more alert and smiled more when animals were present.
  • Nursing home residents required less nutritional supplements when there were fish tanks.
  • Middle-aged schizophrenics visited by therapy dogs had increased motivation and made better use of leisure time.

Residents aren't the only ones who benefit from Isabella's visits. She adores the attention; the interaction teaches her patience and discipline. That makes me value her even more.

You can do it!

Pet therapy is easy to do, takes as little as 30 minutes, and is rewarding.

  • Check out pet therapy programs in your area by going to http://www.google.com/Top/Recreation/Pets/Animal_Assisted_Therapy/
  • What it takes to be a therapy dog: a sweet and even disposition, obedience
  • Dogs that bark, nip, jump or don't like crowds are not good candidates
  • Ask your vet for a second opinion about your pet's suitability