Residents of the integrated community living homes supported by JCFS have benefited from some four-legged visitors in recent weeks. Nurse Janis Goodman arranged for certified therapy dogs to spend time at the homes, providing residents the opportunity to interact, relieve anxiety and relax.

Janis set up the visits through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which trains the dogs and their volunteer handlers to bring their furry friends to the homes, one at a time.  

“So far everybody has been very excited,” Janis said. “It’s been very positive on both sides. The volunteers who have brought their dogs have given me a lot of positive feedback, too.”

Each visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. Residents who choose to participate can spend time with a pup, which is proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood. For our program, it provides an added bonus of enhancing social interaction skills with guests (human and canine) and peers, Janis said.

Residents have interacted with a variety of dogs so far, including two golden retrievers, a black lab, a cavapoo, a shih tzu and some mixed breeds.

Janis said the idea for the therapy dog visits stemmed from a conversation she had with Director of Residential Supports Letícia Cardoso. Both Janis and Letícia have fostered dogs, and they know how much support the animals can provide.

“We just thought, wow, wouldn’t it be great to try this!” Janis said.