September 10, 2013

Pet Therapy with Cooper at The Regency at Glen Cove

Pet Therapy at The Regency at Glen Cove Senior LivingEvery Wednesday at 10:00 AM, The Regency at Glen Cove has a very special visitor.  This is the time when Cooper stops in with his handler, Tracy, for some much anticipated Pet Therapy.  Cooper is an adorable 4-year-old Golden Doodle certified by The Good Dog Foundation.  The Good Dog Foundation was founded as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization in 1998 to promote the use of animal-assisted therapy.  Good Dog’s mission is to elevate the stature and promote society’s understanding of the therapeutic value of the human-animal bond.
When Cooper enters the building, he is a dog on a mission!  He knows exactly where to go and can’t wait to get there.  He has an incredibly sweet and loving disposition.  Cooper is always excited to see the residents and eagerly greets them with his tail wagging while lowering his head for all of the pets and snuggles he knows are soon to follow.  It is amazing to see so many faces light up upon seeing and interacting with Cooper.  There are many documented benefits of Pet Therapy which include:  lower blood pressure and anxiety levels, diminished physical pain and decreased feelings of isolation and alienation.  It is said that the simple act of petting releases endorphins which in turn produces a calming effect that lifts spirits and lessens depression.  These benefits are easily apparent when observing Cooper’s interaction with the Regency residents.
The Regency at Glen Cove is very grateful to have Cooper and Tracy and thanks them for their kindness and dedication.  The Regency also has other amazing Therapy dogs they wish to acknowledge:  Macy, Maggie and Chiquita.  “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we never even knew we had” – Thom Jones.

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