The Daily Bulletin

Weigel Health Promotion and the Buffalo State Veteran and Military Services Office will host a therapy dog workshop through Horizon Health Services with special guest WNY Heroes today, November 9, at 1:30 p.m. in Bacon Hall 117.

Come and learn about the different types of service animals, finding an animal that is appropriate for you, ADA laws, training and certification, and more. A service dog will be present.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to patients. They fulfill an emotional void that is often drained by addiction or mental health disorders. Research shows that interaction with therapy dogs increases the release of bonding and happiness hormones and decreases stress.

Therapy dogs can be found in many breeds and sizes; however, golden retrievers are often used because of their calm demeanor and patient disposition. Horizon’s therapy dogs are golden retrievers bred by Colleen Babcock, workshop facilitator and employee of Horizon Health Services. These dogs visit many different outpatient clinics, including Horizon Village Campus and Terrace House. Other volunteers and programs bring their furry friends to places such as the airport, hospitals, schools, and other facilities that you may or may not think could benefit from this service.

Horizon Village and their outpatient clinics have invested in two therapy dogs who “work” in the rehab facility. Horizon’s adoption of a therapy dog program continues to improve and enhance practices, maintaining Horizon’s high-quality treatment and recovery programs.

This is a great opportunity for extra credit for all students, as this service may help them in their personal, professional, or educational life.

Watch a video with Colleen Babcock and Chris Kreiger, president and CEO of WNY Heroes during one of our workshops on campus.

See one of the WNY Hero service dogs in the news recently.

More information on Horizon Health Services therapy dogs and the services that Horizon provides is available online.

Please contact Paula Madrigal, assistant director of prevention and health promotions, with questions.

Follow us on social media for updates or cancellations.

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