Anyone who ever owned a dog would likely agree a tail wag in exchange for a simple hug or head scratch not only brings a smile, but also reduces stress and anxiety.
Anyone who ever owned a dog would likely agree a tail wag in exchange for a simple hug or head scratch not only brings a smile, but also reduces stress and anxiety.
Countless research has shown simply petting man’s best friend lowers the stress hormone cortisol.
“Even short interactions provide enough pet exposure to reap some of these rewards,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Geauga’s K-9 therapy team is always a tail wag away from serving community members who need them most.
These volunteer therapy dogs and their handlers recently went on a morning mission to Geauga County Job and Family Services in Chardon.
“NAMI’s therapy dogs have been wonderful for our staff,” GCJFS Social Service Director Gina Schultz said. “Staff look forward to them being here and they definitely help improve mood, provide stress relief and reduce anxiety related to the numerous tasks they are responsible for.”
NAMI Geauga is part of the largest grassroots organization in the United States providing support, advocacy and education to those indirectly and directly affected by mental health conditions, according to NAMI, which offers free, peer-led programs to the community.
“Therapy dogs bring a sense of peace within the moment to those that engage with them,” said Ashlee Himes, NAMI Geauga program coordinator. “Our NAMI Geauga K-9 therapy team supports the community in many ways. We have done monthly visits to Burton Library, GCJFS for staff, as well as community events.”
NAMI K-9 handler Mary Beth O’Neill and her therapy goldendoodle, Casey, and handler Pennie Baptie and her border collie, Rhoda, scurried inside the first-floor community room to await the GCJFS staff members taking brief breaks from their busy days to greet their furry visitors.
“I make sure when the therapy dogs are here, I stop to see them because it seems to make my day better,” said Roxanne Keyser, GCJFS child support case manager, who quickly plopped down in a chair next to Casey, giving him a big, long hug.
Moments later, GCJFS clerical specialist Laura Baron shared some love and plenty of smiles with Rhoda.
O’Neill said she has seen how people of all ages positively respond to dogs.
The therapeutic duo also visits nursing homes and memory units.
“He is always the ice breaker,” O’Neill said of Casey. “People love to just sit and pet him. I visited a school last year when the kids were taking stressful standardized tests.
The dogs were their respite for that day. The kids told us about their dogs, their lives and thoughts. My goal is to give back wherever I can and Casey, a certified therapy dog, is the perfect companion.”
Schultz said they look forward to continuing to work with NAMI, who visit about every three months, in supporting the well-being of the GCJFS team.
To schedule a furry friend visit, and for more information, fill out the “Request a Presentation” form on the NAMIgeauga.org website or call 440-286-6264.
