News | 23.05.2024 | By: Roxanne Thomas

Meet Lola, our new Therapy dog!

Hello

We are thrilled to introduce Lola, a wonderful registered therapy dog from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, who recently visited our Newick Hub.

Lola’s presence has already brought immense joy and comfort to our brain-injured clients, and we are excited to welcome her back this week and for many more sessions!

The Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Brain-Injured Clients:

Therapy dogs like Lola offer a range of incredible benefits, particularly for individuals recovering from brain injuries. Here are just a few ways Lola is making a positive impact:

  1. Emotional Support: Interaction with therapy dogs can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.Lola’s gentle and affectionate nature provides our clients with emotional comfort and a sense of companionship.
  2. Cognitive Improvement: Engaging with therapy dogs can stimulate cognitive functions. Activities such as petting, playing, and simple commands help clients improve their attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills.
  3. Physical Rehabilitation: Therapy dogs encourage physical activity, which is crucial for rehabilitation. Walking, throwing a ball, or grooming Lola helps improve motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.
  4. Social Interaction: Lola helps facilitate social interactions among clients, staff, and visitors. Her presence encourages conversations and group activities, fostering a supportive and communal environment.
  5. Stress Reduction: Spending time with a therapy dog has been shown to lower stress levels. The act of petting Lola can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (a feel-good hormone), promoting relaxation and well-being.

We are delighted to see the positive effects Lola is already having on our clients and are grateful to Therapy Dogs Nationwide for their support. Your continued involvement and support help us provide these valuable experiences.

We can’t wait to welcome Lola back and share more heartwarming moments with you. Stay tuned for updates and stories about Lola’s visits and the joy she brings to our community!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our therapy dog programme.

Thank you for being a part of our journey towards healing and happiness!