Man's Best Friend

Interestingly enough, health care professionals have noticed therapeutic effects through animal companionship; such as relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, and raising spirits. There is an account of a Yorkshire Terrier, belonging to Corporal William Wynne, used to cheer up wounded soldiers during the Second World War. However, the birth of therapy dogs can be contributed to Elaine Smith, an American who worked in England as a registered nurse. Smith noticed that patients responded better to a certain chaplain and his canine companion, a Golden Retriever; and upon returning to the United states in 1976 started a training program for dogs to visit institutions.

TVLesson, recently had the privilege to film videos for the Pet Prescription Team on the topic of therapy dogs and their effects on the people the encounter. Sure enough, through the canines friendly and playful demeanor they have brought smiles to patients of all ages:




Not only are these dogs trained to be playful and friendly, they are also taught a myriad of tricks. They are trained to sit, stay, play dead, shake, wave, spin, and much much more. Here is a short clip of some of the tricks the Pet Prescription Team teaches their dogs:

Jillian and Missy



Just looking at those pictures and watching this clip made my day 100 times better. Thank you to the Pet Prescription Team and to all of our loyal viewers and followers. Tune in later this week for a segment on a "snake snaaake snaaake o-ooo it's a snake."

-Mike