It’s official; I became a therapy dog for Northridge Hospital this past week. I even have my own security badge. See, Spencer Dog, that’s me.
We went to the human resources office and they took our pictures for the badges. I sat nicely and gave them a big smile. I wasn’t even on duty yet and I got so many pets from lots of people as we walked through the hospital. People get very happy to see a dog in the hospital because we are not normally allowed to be there and it is actually good for us to be there. There are many studies that show physical benefits of visiting with a therapy dog. These include:
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lower blood pressure levels
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stress and tensions reduction
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comfort with pain management
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decreased anxiety
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improving long and short term memory
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faster recovery times
Plus we provide a nice break in the day for both patients and staff.
Here I am modeling my spiffy bandana so everyone knows I am a therapy dog when I am in the hospital.
What a great looking dog Spencer is !!! I think it’s great what he is doing to help people out !! I just linked this blog on my site LolDawgs.com
That is great. My wife and I are dog lovers too — they can be the best friends in the world.
Great blog, funny too!
hi Spencer, wow! Congratulations…im sure your human so proud of you!
ps
found u thru gosmelltheflower’s blog and im adding your link to my favorite sites.so great to have met you!
Hey Spencer! I’m a therapy dog too! I don’t go on many visits because I have “issues” with some other dogs. But I visit with my Great Grandpa & make him feel all better!
Woof!
Sherman
Hi Spencer,
Thats awesome and congrats! Thanks for the compliment for Amy too! I wish we could get Amy to be a therapy dog too.. however she is a little scared of big men. I hope you have a great time and am sure all the hospital inmates will be very happy and thankful for your visits!
Cheers
Bala.
PS – did you see we are participating in the blogathon?
Hi, Spencer.
Congratulations! I am sure you will do a great job there at the hospitals. I will wait for your posts about going there to help people feel better!
I am so proud to be your friend!
Have a nice day
Lorenza
Spencer,
Bobby and I, well we simply love you! You are better than any “Wonder Dog” and I wish I could hug you. Bobby said you could be our dancing dog. You are so incredible and loveable. You’re the best Spencer.
“Sleeping Kitten – Dancing Dog!”
P.S. Please give our best to your parents. :)
Congratulations Spencer! You are so cool! You are one of my role models! I want to be like you when I grow up!
Love,
Maggie Mae (the bc puppy)
Spencer,
I am so proud of you….my heart is about to burst with happiness.
Deborah
Wow Spencer, I am so impressed. Look at that cool ID, and great pic on there too. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures at the hospital and about all the people you are helping.
I know I wouldn’t make a good therapy dog, but I think after some maturing, my sis Gracie would be. Hmmmm….
Way to go Spencer!! You look so handsome in your new doggie scrubs..bol… and so official with your own badge. You will bring a smile to so many…we are very proud of you….carry on!!
two paws up,
Boomer
Bravo Spencer, you’re great!
Hey Spencer!
That sounds so great! I hope they let us doggies in hospital also!
I’m sure you’ll make a great therapy dog! That bandanna and ID is sooo kewl!
I saw the fishes! my pawrents like those too.. but I think it’s not good for me to eat one..
those cookies looks delish.. I’m drooling!
Wuffs!
Toffee
Congratulations Spencer!! That is terrific news! We think hospitals are just the place for Golden Retrievers. They make everyone feel better !!
Plus, getting a lot of pets and belly rubs makes Goldens feel better, too!
Keep us posted on your new job!