What is Therapy Pals?

It is widely recognized that pets can be good for our health and well-being.  Interacting with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and assist in achieving physical, emotional, and cognitive goals.  Therapy Pals of Golden Triangle was founded by Harriet Tunnell in 2006 and was the first therapy dog organization in North Texas to be recognized by the AKC.  The organization proudly provides animal-assisted therapy in many locations in and around Denton County.  Our Therapy Pals teams visit locations such as the Denton County Juvenile Detention Center, nursing homes, assisted living centers, behavioral health hospitals, as well as local libraries, schools, and universities.  We have also participated in events such as the Special Olympics.

In order to become a certified member of Therapy Pals, a dog and handler team must successfully complete our therapy dog course by demonstrating basic obedience skills,  passing a temperament test, and passing the final certification exam.  Following the successful completion of the course, the dog and handler team are required to complete a three-month mentorship.  Our therapy dog course introduces dogs and handlers to the special skills needed to participate in animal-assisted therapy, including the added distractions of the sights and sounds of wheelchairs, walkers, and therapy equipment that the team may encounter on their visits.  The class also teaches the guidelines and proper etiquette for participating in animal-assisted therapy.  Our goal is to treat each individual that we support with respect, kindness, and dignity as they experience the companionship and special understanding of a trained therapy dog.

If you are interested in serving our community as a member of Therapy Pals, please contact Jan Lowry (sewmom6@yahoo.com) for additional information at 940-300-1350.  You can also check for course information by clicking here.