The Daily Bulletin

Weigel Health Promotions will host a therapy dog workshop through Horizon Health Services on Tuesday, February 4, and Wednesday, February 12, at 1:00 p.m. in Weigel Wellness Center 203.

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 the workshop facilitator, Colleen Babcock. 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.

More information on Horizon Health Services therapy dogs and the services that Horizon provides is available online. An interview with Colleen Babcock, the facilitator and employee of Horizon Health Services, during one of our workshops on campus is also available.

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

Please contact Paula Madrigal, assistant director of prevention and health promotions, 878-4719, with questions.

For more Weigel Health Promotions programs, please visit our website, check out our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Pinterest.