Paws of Comfort: How Do Support Dogs Help?
Photo submitted by Truth Frazier.
As the students of Hamilton’s first semester came to an end, tests and essays piled up on top of last minute fixes that caused stress and exhaustion for many. As a help, golden retriever dog Gethsemane paid a visit to Hamilton High School. Gethsemane and three other adorable support dogs from LLC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry gave many students comfort and ease as they prepared to finish off the semester.
Support dogs frequently visit educational settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community gatherings. Therapy animal organizations strive to provide people with support to reduce anxiety, improve a person’s mood, and more. “We get calls out to go bring hope and give support and comfort in really any circumstance,” Gethsemane’s caregiver says. Therapy animals are even supported by science! The action of petting an animal triggers a relaxation response in the mind and body. Serotonin and oxytocin are released when someone pets a dog or animal, which helps to elevate a person’s mood (UCLA Health).
LLC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a faith-based organization that trains dogs from around the country that go to events nationwide. Dogs and handlers both go through extensive training to ensure the best and most effective experience for events and those in need. Comfort dogs are trained from around 8 months old to two years old, undergoing nearly 2,000 hours of training. After basic training, dogs continue regular training and coaching throughout events and visits. The LLC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry dogs are permanently placed with a church and live in their assigned caregiver’s home. LLC does not charge for visits and is able to do so because of donations.
Hamilton freshman and varsity wrestler Anna Hackbarth says, “I loved seeing the dogs, it definitely gave me a brain break from my first finals week and wrestling season too. I love dogs in general and think it's super cool they could come to our school.”
Another student, Brianna Satermo, who is new to the district this year says, “I really loved seeing the dogs finals week. The stress of finding new friends because of the new semester was making me feel overwhelmed, so it for sure just gave me some calmness.”
The comfort dogs will be available once again at Friday evening’s Family Fun Night before the girls’ basketball game!
Photos submitted by Sanjana Shankar and Prisha Trivedi.
