150+ Canadians Day 135: Therapy Animals & Handlers

Image: John Hurd on flickr

Animals used for therapy and their handlers contribute to peace by providing affection, comfort, and healing. #Canada150

Animals used for therapy and their handlers visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities; work in rehabilitation centres; and live in facilities such as prisons and hospices, offering mental and physical health benefits, skill development, and a feeling of well-being to people everywhere.

Therapy animals include dogs, horses, cats, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, and parrots. Animals may, for example, assist children struggling with anger management, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, people recovering from surgery or post-traumatic stress disorder, and inmates in prison.

Therapy animals are calm and do not judge, bringing a sense of security and peace when they interact with people.

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