**Emotional Support:** Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to people experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges. Their presence can have a calming and soothing effect.

 

**Reducing Loneliness:** For individuals in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, therapy dog visits combat loneliness and provide companionship.

 

**Improving Mental Health:** Interacting with therapy dogs can boost mood and overall mental well-being. It's especially beneficial for those dealing with depression or PTSD.

 

**Stress Reduction:** Petting or spending time with therapy dogs can lower stress levels and reduce the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol.

 

**Enhancing Learning:** In schools, therapy dogs can improve the learning environment. They offer a non-judgmental presence that helps students feel more relaxed and focused.

 

**Boosting Morale at Work:** In a workplace, therapy dog visits can improve employee morale, reduce workplace stress, and increase job satisfaction.

 

**Physical Benefits:** Petting a dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection, which can have positive physiological effects.

 

**Promoting Social Interaction:** Therapy dogs can encourage social interaction among people, fostering connections and breaking down barriers.

 

**Providing a Sense of Normalcy:** In hospitals and healthcare settings, therapy dogs can provide a sense of normalcy and distraction from medical procedures.

 

**Enhancing Quality of Life:** Overall, therapy dog visits contribute to an improved quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds.

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These visits are conducted by trained therapy dog teams and are designed to be safe and positive experiences for everyone involved. They serve as a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals and the therapeutic benefits this bond can bring.