The Therapy Dogs are Coming Back!

After a long, difficult and heartbreaking year, our world is starting to see signs of hope that the worst is behind us. COVID-19 numbers are trending downwards throughout the nation, and more and more people every day are getting their vaccinations.

Once our world shut down in March of 2020, the Troupe pivoted to virtual visits with elementary school students and hospitalized veterans. We were able to arrange several outdoor visits with seniors last fall, but as the weather turned colder, those outdoor visits were no longer possible. In December we mobilized to drop off more than 500 holiday letters (penned by our therapy dogs) to hospitalized veterans, seniors and disabled adults.

This outreach was such a success that we decided to expand the concept and create Valentine cards with photos and letters from our therapy dogs. This time, our Troupe volunteers outdid themselves with more than 1800 cards dropped off at Hines VA, Little Friends in Downers Grove, Villa St Benedict, Atria and Oak Trace, and Community Adult Daycare senior facilities. Here is just one example of the Valentines that brought smiles to many faces!

The comfort and stress relief that our therapy dogs can bring will be needed more than ever as we move towards a more normal world.  Our PAWSitive Therapy Troupe therapy and crisis response dogs are ready to visit wherever they are needed.   We will of course be strictly following all CDC guidelines for safe visiting, including facial coverings at all times, social distancing whenever possible and hand sanitization prior to interacting with our dogs.

We are looking forward to seeing our friends again soon!