A Special Animal-Assisted Therapy Program
Support children and young people facing mental and physical health challenges, through therapeutic interaction with therapy dogs from the SGS shelter.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT SOLVE?
This provides an opportunity to expand this highly significant initiative, with even more dogs and a greater number of patients. The support and funding from the Royal Canin Foundation enable to ensure the continuous and smooth operation of the program, as well as the training and care of therapy dogs, until 2025.
This Therapy program began in 2017 by 'Save a Greek Stray' in collaboration with 'FLOGA'-Parents Association of Children with Cancer, the Association for Regional Development and Mental Health 'EPAPSY,' and the Women's Prisons in Thebes. Today, it continues successfully to all the previous facilities and has expanded to include the structures of Sismanogleio General Hospital.
Therapy dogs are trained and evaluated by specialized trainers. They make weekly visits to young individuals residing in these facilities, interact with them, offering love and support, contributing to the reduction of anxiety and the improvement of their psychological well-being.
Specifically, group sessions lasting from 50 minutes to 1 hour are conducted every week. A specific protocol regarding the dog's hygiene is followed, and before the dog enters the session, the handler takes the dog for a walk around the shelter to help the animal self-regulate and focus for the session. During each session, the following activities take place:
Personal interaction with the dog
Painting alongside with the dog
Petting the dog
Brushing the dog
Taking the dog for a walk
Sharing feelings, stories, and thoughts
The session's agenda is organized by experts such as psychotherapists, trainers, taking into account the needs of all participants, including parents who are actively encouraged to attend the sessions, take pictures, and videos, among other activities.
The purpose is to empower children and young people facing mental and physical health challenges through therapeutic interaction with the therapy dogs from the SGS shelter. We aim to demonstrate that a dog of mixed breed is equally capable of providing support and has nothing to envy from pure breed dogs. Concurrently, we wanted to introduce patients to animal contact and provide an opportunity for animals to enter therapeutic facilities and showcase their beneficial contribution.
The contact and interaction with therapy dogs can provide a comprehensive support environment, enhancing the quality of life for patients and contributing to the management of the physical and psychological challenges they face.
Vivi Charalampidi, General Manager, Save a Greek Stray
“What's truly remarkable about therapy dogs is how they facilitate connections with others. It is overwhelming that the relationship with my child has been re-established due to these sessions.” (Floga patient)
“They are a constant source of joy and motivation. Their presence has a calming effect, making it easier to open up and share thoughts and feelings. I can say for sure that the sessions have helped me gain confidence and learn how to read. Most importantly, they help to break free from the grip of anxiety and depression. “ (Sismanoglio patient)
OTHER PROJECTS
8 results
8 results