The NOW Clinic invites patients to enjoy visits from trained, certified therapy dogs in the lobby. Our Healing Hounds team is dedicated to enhancing your clinic experience and overall comfort. Benefits of human-animal bonding include
- stress relief
- reduced anxiety
- increased motivation
- better self-esteem
What is a therapy dog?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), therapy dogs go with their owners and volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. They ease emotional symptoms and improve the lives of other people.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. Examples of service dogs are a dog who guides an owner who is blind, or a dog who assists someone with a physical disability. Therapy dogs do not have the same special access as service dogs in public places such as stores, planes, and restaurants.
For more information about the Healing Hounds program, please contact Meredith Stensland, PhD, by email.
The NOW Healing Hounds
Lady AnnaBella
Shih Tzu
Therapy Registration: Therapy Animals of San Antonio
My Handler: Sandra
Sex: Female
Birthday: May 9, 2019
Favorite Food: Bacon treats
Most Loved Toy: stuffed cat
Miles
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Therapy Registration: Therapy Animals of San Antonio
My Handler: Barbara
Sex: Male
Age: 11 years old
Favorite Food: Chicken
Most Loved Toy: I pick treats over toys!
Roscoe
Basset Hound Mix
Therapy Registration: Therapy Animals of San Antonio
My Handler: SuEarl
Sex: Male
Birthday: 11 years old
Favorite Food: Anything you will eat!
Most Loved Toy: humans
Thank you to our community partners, Therapy Animals of San Antonio, Inc., and PAWS for Service! Both organizations are recognized as therapy dog organizations by the American Kennel Club.
If you are a dog handler with a registered therapy dog and are interested in making visits to the NOW clinic, please contact us!