More Proof that Dogs Rule

**gooddog** · 08-04-2012, 10:48 AM

Dogs rule: Veterans rave about PTSD service dogs, but research lags - U.S. News

Makes me wish that all who suffer could have a furry friend to help out...

I know it's altruistic but I think it would help in prisons, just some of the stress alleviated, thus making management easier. I know they have dog training programs but I wonder if therapy dogs brought around at certain times would help out too. (Wow, I want that job!)

I saw a lockup episode (Indiana?) where inmates who qualify to own cats get to bring their cats to the psyche ward for therapy and I think it's great for both parties. I guess that's what it would take to bring something like that to prisons, surely won't be funded any other way.

**stu** · 08-04-2012, 02:28 PM

Im in

**stu** · 08-04-2012, 02:40 PM

20120728_160817.jpg
Im in

**stu** · 08-04-2012, 02:41 PM

Sorry i don't upload photo's often

**Saoirse** · 08-04-2012, 04:34 PM

I once got involved in a program and bring my dogs to a retirement home. It was awesome! but then the budget was cut off.-How come they need a budget to such things? anyway. I would also love to bring them in children hospital. I do firmly believe in pets therapy. But France could be an old conservative Lady sometimes...

**Silas Sydenham** · 08-04-2012, 07:04 PM

When I was a schoolteacher, my dog Hardie went to work with me everyday, sat quietly under my desk during lessons, was a comfort to weepy children, and romped in the yard with kids at recess. Would this be allowed in the age of the nanny-state?

**gooddog** · 08-04-2012, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Silas Sydenham

When I was a schoolteacher, my dog Hardie went to work with me everyday, sat quietly under my desk during lessons, was a comfort to weepy children, and romped in the yard with kids at recess. Would this be allowed in the age of the nanny-state?

One of my kids has had an autistic boy in her class for about the last 5 years or so. His parents got him a therapy dog that goes to class with him. The dog has utterly changed the child's personality and ability to be in the world for the better plus all the other kids in the class love the dog. So yes, it is allowed in public schools here to have a therapy dog. I do think it would have to be "official therapy dog" status, though.

I wanted my bulldog Lola to be a therapy dog because people love her so much but they have to obey basic commands without hesitation and she doesn't do "lay down" or a few other things on command!!! It's more like... "if I feel like it"... not therapy dog status, unfortunately.