^{Photo by Laura Stanley}

No one deserves to experience trauma at any point in life. And just when we finished building a wall around us, a four-legged furry animal with a wagging tail slowly breaks them down and comforts us. What makes therapy dogs unique, and how do they help people recover from trauma?

You might have heard of the famous idiom ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ But have you heard of ‘A therapy dog a day keeps the trauma away’? Therapy dogs are known for their endearing and calm presence that provides companionship and assistance to the following facilities: hospitals, caregiving homes, courtrooms, counseling offices, schools, airports, and even disaster sites.

They are the most unmatched in comforting those in physical and emotional pain. Trauma survivors not only have to deal with the root cause but more of the aftereffects that will linger for a long time. These people have been struggling equally with effective coping mechanisms needed for the aftermath of a horrifying incident.

A therapy dog a day easily earns the trust and affection of the person, especially when they have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Emotionally distressed individuals can lean on these fur babies for relief and healing magic, probably because they do not judge you and will sit silently with you. Books like Piper Find Her Special by Alison Keenan best explains how therapy dogs work, and it also shows what their particular purpose is.

The difference between therapy dogs and service dogs

Also known as “emotional support animals,” these dogs all have a distinctive job description different from the usual service dogs we know. In a way, they look out for their humans similarly, but service dogs are a purely professional bunch rigorously trained to accomplish tasks that aid people with disabilities. What these two have in common, though, is they both wear a labeled vest that distinguishes them from regular house pet dogs.

Strangers cannot easily give service dogs pets and can’t casually interact with them. They are there to work and follow a strict routine, plus they were trained to have sheer focus and alertness, so it’s unwise to be overly hyped around them. They have become commonplace, and special training is available for those aspiring to turn them into service dogs.

However, emotional support dogs build relationships with their owners dealing with mental health issues. These fur companions are essential in the person’s self-care journey, as their presence alone is soothing. Most of these people have strained human relationships, and the dogs provide the right amount of tender loving care just by existing – something that no other human can give.

The roller coaster journey of healing with a therapy dog

Therapy dogs are not necessarily required to undergo certification and training, but they still possess the ability to comfort their distressed owners. There’s nothing much to what they do. But being present at all times helps humans a lot in their rocky moments in life. Offering support and a deep connection is what they do best, plus more.

Complicating with traumatic events alone is challenging, even if you consult a professional therapist. But this is not to discredit the work they do, either. Most therapists also have emotional support dogs as their partners in helping patients throughout their healing journey. The dogs accompany them in every session as they confront their emotional entanglements and help remind these people that life is still worthwhile.

Being with an emotional support dog increases the oxytocin levels of one’s body. The effects are slowing variable heart rates and blood pressure levels and reducing stress hormones, resulting in a peaceful and calmer feeling. Oxytocin also helps us battle negative emotions eating away at us, and who would be better than a therapy dog to release and increase all that “happy hormones”?

Therapy dogs make us more mindful.

Life’s traumatic moments haunt us from living an everyday life or enjoying the present. When our mental health is at its lowest, nothing can stop us from doing dangerous things like self-harm. Mindfulness can be a healthy step to relieving ourselves from constant overthinking, repeated experiences, and stressful episodes.

We can learn something from therapy dogs about being mindful in life. Generally speaking, they don’t always follow the same routine daily and will make us feel okay to put our lives on hold or autopilot. Therapy dogs are the best teachers that help us learn to enjoy the little things by observing their behavior and what makes them happy and comfortable. And if you’re thinking of having a therapy dog, some organizations provide a specialized service, although you can also get one for yourself.