According to Charlotte’s Litter, dogs can help physically, socially, cognitively, emotionally, and environmentally.
Physically: Interacting with a dog can help reduce blood pressure, provide tactile stimulation, assist with pain management, give motivation to move/walk, and stimulate the senses.
Socially: a visit with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, promotes greater self-esteem and well-being, and focused interaction with others.
Cognitively: Companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem solving and game playing.
Emotionally: An adorable four-legged visitor improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, and lifts mood (often provoking laughter).
Environmentally: A dog in a facility decreases the feeling of a sterile environment, lifts mood and this continues after visit.
Charlotte’s Litter is a program in honor of Charlotte Helen Bacon, an avid dog lover, who lost her live in Sandy Hook, CT. Her family and friends received comfort from therapy dogs, so their mission is to support therapy dog programs in educational and societal settings.
Physically: Interacting with a dog can help reduce blood pressure, provide tactile stimulation, assist with pain management, give motivation to move/walk, and stimulate the senses.
Socially: a visit with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, promotes greater self-esteem and well-being, and focused interaction with others.
Cognitively: Companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem solving and game playing.
Emotionally: An adorable four-legged visitor improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, and lifts mood (often provoking laughter).
Environmentally: A dog in a facility decreases the feeling of a sterile environment, lifts mood and this continues after visit.
Charlotte’s Litter is a program in honor of Charlotte Helen Bacon, an avid dog lover, who lost her live in Sandy Hook, CT. Her family and friends received comfort from therapy dogs, so their mission is to support therapy dog programs in educational and societal settings.
Goals of a Therapy Program in Schools:
- Increase empathy/compassion by assisting counselors
- Decrease violence and improve self esteem
- Reduce anxiety levels
- Lesson emotional trauma
- Give students a reliable friend and form of comfort
- Improve students’ feeling of safety
- Make students feel more connected
- Reduce stress in the classroom