The ongoing success of St. John Ambulance's therapy dog visitation program underscores the dog's reputation as "man's best friend". That's because, through this pet visitation approach, participants — many of whom are in hospital or long-term care facilities — can interact with friendly canines as part of a therapy program. Over the years, St. John Ambulance and like-minded agencies have been lauded for the significant contribution of this program to the health and well-being of Canadians from coast to coast. Over the years, studies have shown that animals can have a positive impact on people's physical and mental well being. Interaction with pets is not only cheerful, it actually helps to lower blood pressure, and improve a person's emotional outlook.

St. John Ambulance's program takes a trained volunteer and their dog into hospitals, seniors' residences or nursing homes on a weekly basis.
"With over 450 volunteers visiting 215 facilities throughout British Columbia, therapy dog visitation is one of our core programs," notes Bunny Burritt, St. John Ambulance's director of community services.
Fittingly, the dogs have received their due over the years. Two years ago, British Columbia Solicitor General John Les designated 2006 to be "Year of the Working Dog" to recognize the invaluable service working dogs provide to B.C. citizens on a daily basis — including the aforementioned therapy dogs — allowing countless citizens to lead fuller lives.

"They do this without complaint, remaining loyal and loving companions throughout," said Les. "They are more than just pets, they are trained professionals, ready to do a job."
To find out more about the therapy dog visitation program offered by St. John (NC)