You’ve read about and seen pictures of Sonny, our amazing Golden Retriever who is a Registered Therapy Animal. And you may have even seen him in person!
Sonny and Sharon D’Aquila, President of Assisted Living Services, Inc. and a Registered Pet Partner Handler, recently visited one of our clients as part of our Animal Assisted Therapy program. This video shows how the visit from Sonny made her day.
The visits provide positive physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to the elderly, such as:
- Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving mood, depression and loneliness
- Increasing social interaction
- Increasing appetite and adherence to medical regimen
The experience is so helpful and enjoyable for our homecare clients. And I think Sonny and Sharon enjoy it just as much!
The Animal Assisted Therapy program is offered complimentary to any current homecare client who consents to be in the program. Sonny has completed extensive training and obedience courses followed by extensive course and handling work through Pet Partners (formerly known as Delta Society) that have enabled him to become a Registered Therapy Animal.
Assisted Living Services, Inc. is one of only a few home care agencies in the United States to offer animal-assisted therapy, which is usually limited to facilities such as nursing homes. It is just one of the many things that sets us apart.
Want to schedule a visit with Sonny? Contact Sharon or Ron at 203-634-8668.
This video was made available with the client’s consent.
Read more about Sonny.
