Copyright 2007 Dr. Josie Levine
Unconditional love that we receive from animals, coupled with the power of healing bestowed upon us by petting them (research indicates that doing so can lower blood pressure and heart rate!) has led me to have my current companion, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Dharma, certified as an Assisted Therapy Animal by the nationwide organization The Delta Society .
Dharma greatly enjoys her job of enthusiastically greeting clients, and snuggling with them if invited! Her area of specialty is allowing healing belly-rubs, and holding paws! Her soothing and comforting presence in the office has led some clients to experience significant breakthroughs during the course of their therapy. For some, her antics and extrovert personality can be an invitation to play, itself a healing activity. And it's hard not to share laughter (a well-researched benefit to stress or anxiety), should her snores reverberate through the office!
Dharma is available to visit hospice, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and other programs. She has her own web page.
