ThedaCare At Home Hospice is seeking four-legged volunteers for therapy dog programs in Waupaca.
“We are conducting comprehensive hospice therapy dog training this spring and are looking for qualified dogs and their owners,” said Molly Johnson, owner and consultant with Canine Comfort, who coordinates the program.
The program provides therapeutic visits for hospice patients by offering the physical touch of the therapy dogs.
“The dogs bring back their own memories, like of their own personal pet,” said Johnson. “Therapy dog visits reduce loneliness, provide an opportunity for life review and offer a welcome change from routine. Reduction of stress, anxiety and incidences of depression are scientifically proven benefits.”
Interested volunteers should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with many different populations.
Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year of age.
“They must be calm, gentle, polite and comfortable interacting with unfamiliar people in unfamiliar settings,” said Johnson.
Comprehensive therapy dog training and registration is provided at no cost to the handler by Johnson.
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, contact Johnson at [email protected] or at 920-716-1890.