A number of studies have found that just being around a dog or petting a dog can lower blood pressure. One study found the same with a pet goat. Another found that simply watching a Lassie movie was enough to lower stress.
Well we haven’t got a pet goat at our practice Tri-City Psychology Services, but we do have therapy dogs!
Over the years we have observed the special fondness and respect our clients develop for our dogs.
Many clients starting therapy are unsure and nervous on their first visit.
We want very much for our new clients to feel safe and comfortable, and aim to set them at their ease from the moment they first step through our door.
We have worked hard to achieve this by creating an inviting and calming office space, a dog picks up on any nervousness in a person, and our little greeters are there ready and eager to help clients through that first uncertain encounter.
Sadly in August we had to say goodbye to first therapy dog, Portia (a stalwart Scottish Terrier) who succumbed to kidney disease.
Mac our younger Scotty, missed her terribly. We knew it would just be a matter of time before we got another dog.
Lola & Kathy
