Paws-itive Impact: The Power of Therapy Dogs

Diane McLaughlan sits in her home with Javi after a nice visit (and a short nap for Javi).

Former Condit Elementary School teacher Diane McLaughlan sat petting my dog Javi. “Pets can be so much company, can’t they?” Diane asked as she stroked Javi’s head until he had given in to sleep and curled up on her lap. “They become part of your family, actually,” Diane remarked and we agreed in unison.

Javier (Javi, for short) is a 6-pound Papillon Mix, who turned 3 in June. Some delight in his tininess as he fits perfectly on their laps, while others go straight to smothering him in kisses. Javi is a therapy dog and, often, the people we see  tell us about their pets at home and thank us for bringing some furry love with gratifying words that alone make the visit worthwhile. Knowing that just a short visit with my pet has the capability to make so many people’s day is a rewarding feeling. And for me, watching someone admire the little dog that I treasure so much is a flattering bonus.

(From left) Faithful Paws volunteers Kristy Juzswik with Mickey, Jessica Koucouthakis with Lady, Mackenzie Ward with Javi, Colleen Springman with Coco and Laura Noaker with Casey Kay after a successful visit to The Gardens of Bellaire.

My sister Alex Ward and her Miniature Schnauzer Griffin began volunteering with Faithful Paws - an organization of pet owners and their therapy pets committed to providing unconditional love and support to adults and children, sponsored by Bellaire United Methodist Church - over a year ago. While busy in medical school, she enjoys taking study breaks to spend time with Griffin and their buddies in Faithful Paws.

Following her lead, I became a member of Faithful Paws this year along with my mom Phebe and Javi. To qualify, dogs must receive training and pass specific tests authorized and administered through the American Kennel Club. The human-pet team attends training classes to learn what socialization and obedience skills the pet must possess. Once the human-pet team passes, the pet receives a certification of AKC Good Citizen and qualifies for therapy visits.

Javi sporting his Faithful Paws Therapy Pet tag on his harness before a visit. 

Javi and my mom became certified in late February, and I joined when returning home from college for the summer; we have volunteered with many fun pairs at several great facilities. A couple of our favorite places are University Place and The Gardens of Bellaire, but we are excited to volunteer at other locations in the future. It is so gratifying to see peoples’ faces light up the moment you walk through the door with your pet.

One of my favorite parts about volunteering with Faithful Paws is hearing the residents’ stories about their pets. It’s fun to connect with them, which is easy when there is a common love for animals. One resident was so enthusiastic about seeing the pets, she would clap and smile calling our little procession “the dog parade” that she looked forward to every month.

I also really enjoy revisiting residents; it is comforting to see them month-to-month and it’s pleasing when they recognize your pet, greeting them with enthusiasm and open arms. One woman remembered Javi’s name and showered us in thank-yous for fulfilling our promise to come back to visit.

Javi with Mackenzie Ward's grandfather, Horner Chen, petting Javi before dinnertime.

As much as we enjoy formal visits to socialize with residents at facilities, spending time visiting with friends and family off-the-record, like when we visited with Mrs. Mclaughlan, is an equally valuable experience. Within our home, Javi spends part of each day with my 98-year-old grandfather, walking alongside his walker around the house and accompanying him and his caretaker during meals and the usual afternoon nap. I think Javi’s training to become a therapy dog significantly improved his patience and ease around strangers, and enhanced his already-good temperament. While therapy dogs’ positive impact on the community is overt, it is important to recognize, therapy dog or not, their miraculous ability to unify the community and bring happiness to every individual.

Some confuse therapy pets with service pets. Therapy dogs provide therapeutic or emotional support to others, often by visiting schools, assisted living homes and hospitals, like Javi and I do. On the other hand, a service dog is trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to socialize and interact with people while on-duty. Despite thorough training, certification and the valuable service that therapy dogs provide, they do not have the same responsibilities or legal designation as service dogs.

Volunteering with Faithful Paws has been beneficial not only to the pet-loving individuals that we visit, but also to me and Javi as volunteers.

Interested in learning more about training your dog to be a therapy dog? See more information here. Interested in having a therapy pet visit your facility? Contact [email protected].