A therapy dog is a very valuable tool when it comes to bringing smiles and joy to the ill, elderly, or mentally challenged. Even long-forgotten memories can be rekindled by a friendly tail-wag, or warm brown-eyed gaze. It seems that most everyone has a memory of a dog they once had, or knew, and most everyone can relate to them. Dogs are the perfect example of unconditional love. I truly cannot think of any relationship that humans can have with people, or other animals, that compares to the unconditional love that dogs so freely give to us.

Many residents of retirement homes and care facilities really appreciate this. It is often much easier for them to trust a dog and to open themselves up to them than it is for them to do the same with humans. Humans may have hurt them, lied to them, cheated them, deceived them, abanded them, and the list goes on. But a dog, well, they love us no matter what, and they always will. Anyone who has ever owned a dog can relate.

As you can see, a therapy dog plays a very important role in bringing smiles and happiness to those who may not have felt that way for many years.

Canine Leaders provides regular visitations to a number of different retirement and chronic care facilities in the Niagara region. Not only do we bring our own dogs, but our clients, whose dogs have been trained for this service, often come along as well.

We are always more than happy to allow dogs and owners that are interested in Therapy work join us, however, we must first evaluate your dog and do the necessary required training before you can do a therapy visit. Once your dog is tested, you can go on your own any time you want, and certainly, join us for our group visitation. Watch for updates on our group visitations on our Events page.

There is no cost to you for testing your dog for this work, but if a basic level of obedience is necessary, then we would move on from there, usually to a 4 week obedience course that costs $150.