Dr. Steven Lazarus uses a therapy dog for animal assisted therapy. AAT has been found to be very helpful for children.

Unleashing Potential: Dr Steven Lazarus and His Certified Therapy Dog’s Impact on Child Therapy

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Are you searching for the best therapist for children in Littleton, Colorado? Look no further than Dr. Steven Lazarus, a highly skilled therapist who is making a difference in the lives of children through the use of a certified therapy dog. This innovative approach to therapy is proving to be highly effective in helping children overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.

The Role of a Certified Therapy Dog in Child Therapy

In the realm of child therapy, the introduction of a certified therapy dog by Dr. Steven Lazarus has revolutionized the way therapeutic services are delivered in Littleton, Colorado. Recognizing theA therapy dog, best therapist for children intrinsic value that animals, especially dogs, can bring to the healing process, Dr. Lazarus has seamlessly integrated this concept into his practice, providing an innovative and effective approach to child therapy. A certified therapy dog is not just any pet; it is a highly trained animal capable of working in stressful environments while maintaining a calm and comforting presence. These dogs undergo a rigorous training process that prepares them to interact with children in a therapeutic setting. They learn to sense and respond to emotional cues, making them an invaluable tool in the therapist’s arsenal. The training also ensures that the dog can maintain its composure and remain unfazed by sudden noises or movements, which is particularly important when working with children who may exhibit unpredictable behavior.

The inclusion of a certified therapy dog in therapy sessions has a multifaceted impact on the therapeutic process. For starters, it helps to demystify the therapy experience for children. Walking into a room and being greeted by a friendly, wagging tail makes the environment feel less clinical and more welcoming. This immediate, non-verbal communication can set a positive tone for the session, helping children to relax and feel more at ease. Moreover, the presence of a therapy dog provides a tangible source of comfort and security. Children, especially those dealing with anxiety, trauma, or emotional disorders, often find solace in the non-judgmental presence of a dog. They are able to pet the dog, talk to it, or even sit quietly beside it, using the animal as a source of emotional support as they navigate through difficult topics or memories during therapy. The benefits extend beyond emotional support; interaction with the therapy dog also serves as a practical tool within the therapy session. For example, therapists can use the dog as a way to teach children about boundaries and consent, showing them how to ask before touching or engaging with the dog. This can be a powerful lesson in personal space and respecting others, which can translate into improved interactions with peers. Additionally, the therapy dog can facilitate the development of empathy and responsibility in children. Through caring for the dog during sessions, such as filling its water bowl or leading it on a short walk, children learn to consider the needs and feelings of another living being. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are working on social skills or who may have difficulty connecting with others. Ultimately, the certified therapy dog in Dr. Lazarus’ practice is more than just a furry friend; it is a co-therapist that plays a critical role in helping children to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. The dog’s ability to provide unconditional acceptance and love creates a unique therapeutic dynamic that encourages healing and growth. Through this innovative approach, Dr. Lazarus is not only enhancing the therapy experience for children in Littleton, Colorado but is also setting a new standard for child therapy practices everywhere.

Breaking Down Barriers: How Children Respond to Therapy Dogs

The interaction between children and therapy dogs is a dynamic aspect of the therapeutic process, often facilitating breakthroughs that might not be as readily achieved through traditional methods alone. Dr. Steven Lazarus has observed firsthand the profound impact that his certified therapy dog has on young clients, particularly in the way it helps dismantle the emotional and communicative barriers they face. Children, by nature, can sometimes be reticent to engage in therapy, feeling wary of opening up to adults or discussing their innermost thoughts and fears. The presence of a therapy dog introduces a novel and comforting element into the equation, encouraging a sense of safety and openness. It’s not just the warm, inviting presence of the dog that makes a difference but also its ability to engage children in a way that feels inherently playful and non-threatening. For those children who struggle with verbal expression or are navigating the complexities of emotional trauma, a therapy dog offers a form of nonverbal communication. They can project their feelings onto the dog, who responds with unwavering acceptance and warmth, providing a silent yet powerful form of support. This can be particularly cathartic for children who might otherwise feel misunderstood or alone in their experiences.

Moreover, the therapeutic journey with a therapy dog doesn’t solely focus on overcoming challenges; it also encompasses learning and growth. Interacting with a therapy dog can subtly teach children valuable life skills, such as empathy, patience, and kindness. These interactions often involve taking turns, understanding the dog’s needs, and responding to its cues, all of which are skills that are transferable to human relationships. This unique form of therapy not only aids in breaking down barriers to communication and emotional expression but also fosters a nurturing environment where children can learn to trust and build confidence. The gentle nature of a therapy dog combined with its ability to connect without words makes it an excellent companion and facilitator in the therapeutic process. Children’s responses to therapy dogs are a testament to the significant role these animals play in the therapeutic landscape. The progress seen in clients of Dr. Lazarus, from enhanced communication skills to deeper emotional understanding, highlights the invaluable impact of integrating therapy dogs into treatment plans. In Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Lazarus’s practice stands out not only for its dedication to child therapy but also for its innovative use of a certified therapy dog to enrich and empower young lives.

 

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Animal assisted counseling: How Dogs Improve Therapy Outcomes in Child Counseling

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Animal assisted counseling has been gaining popularity in recent years for its ability to improve therapy outcomes, particularly in child counseling. One of the most beloved animals used in this practice is the dog. Dogs have a unique way of connecting with children and creating a safe and comforting environment that encourages communication and engagement. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using a dog during therapy appointments with young children and how it can enhance the therapeutic process.

Building a Safe and Comforting Environment

The presence of a dog during therapy sessions can be transformative for young clients, particularly in fostering an atmosphere where children feel more secure and open. The sight and touch of a friendly canine can instantly make a therapy room seem less intimidating and more inviting to a child. Dogs, with their innate ability to offer unconditional affection and demonstrate a non-judgmental stance, are perfectly suited to be co-facilitators in the therapeutic setting. Their simple presence can act as a bridge, reducing the emotional distance between the therapist and the child, and encouraging a sense of belonging and acceptance. For many children, the therapy office is an unfamiliar territory that may provoke anxiety and reluctance. However, a dog’s welcoming nuzzle or gentle presence beside them can quickly alleviate these initial fears, allowing the child to transition more smoothly into the therapy process. This immediate ease in tension is crucial for the initial stages of counseling, as it paves the way for a more profound and meaningful therapeutic engagement. Moreover, the comfort provided by a dog does not solely lie in its physical presence but also in the non-verbal communication it offers animal assissted counseling. A dog’s responsive gestures – a wag of the tail, a soft whimper, or an eager look – can provide immediate feedback to a child that they are in a space where their feelings and thoughts are understood and valued. This dynamic creates a nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions freely, laying a solid foundation for effective therapy.

Enhancing Communication and Engagement

Incorporating dogs into therapeutic sessions serves as a powerful tool to bridge communication gaps between therapists and young clients. The innate charm and approachability of a dog can naturally draw a child out of their shell, fostering an environment where they feel more inclined to share and participate. The interaction with a therapy dog can catalyze conversations that might otherwise feel daunting for a child to initiate with an adult. A simple act, such as a child explaining their feelings to the dog or recounting their day while petting it, can serve as a gentle nudge towards more open communication with the counselor. The non-verbal cues that dogs provide, like tilting their head in response to a child’s voice or snuggling close to them, offer immediate, positive reinforcement that can encourage continued engagement. This silent communication underscores a sense of understanding and companionship, making the child feel heard and valued in a way that words alone may not convey. Furthermore, the act of caring for the dog during the session, such as brushing its fur or offering treats, can serve as parallel activities that promote verbal interaction without the direct pressure of face-to-face communication. Moreover, the presence of a therapy dog can demystify the therapy process itself, transforming it from a clinical exercise into an experience that is more akin to play. This shift in perception can be crucial for children who might associate speaking about their emotions with discomfort or fear. Through the joy and comfort that dogs naturally bring, children are more likely to view therapy as a positive, engaging experience, thus laying the groundwork for effective communication and therapeutic success using animal assissted counseling.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress

The calming influence of dogs on children in therapy settings cannot be overstated. Their gentle presence naturally alleviates feelings of tension, enabling a child to approach the therapeutic process with a clearer mind. When a child interacts with a therapy dog—whether through petting, playing, or simply sitting together—there’s a noticeable shift in the room’s atmosphere. This interaction promotes a sense of tranquility and safety, key elements in helping children to open up and engage more fully with their therapist. Research supports this observation, indicating that time spent with animals can significantly lower cortisol levels—the body’s stress hormone—while simultaneously elevating mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This biochemical response not only aids in reducing immediate feelings of anxiety but also fosters a more conducive environment for therapy. By integrating dogs into sessions, therapists offer a unique support system, leveraging the dog’s ability to provide comfort and reduce stress without the need for conversation, allowing children to navigate their emotional landscapes with greater ease.

Improving Therapeutic Outcomes

The integration of dogs into therapeutic sessions offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing the counseling experience for young clients. Through their calming presence, dogs naturally facilitate a more relaxed environment conducive to open dialogue and self-expression. This, in turn, fosters a space where children can explore and navigate their emotions more effectively, directly impacting the progress they make during therapy. The psychological benefits of animal-assisted counseling, particularly through interactions with dogs, extend to improving attention and focus, which are crucial for engaging fully in the therapeutic process. Children often find it easier to participate in activities and exercises when a therapy dog is involved, leading to greater session productivity and a deeper exploration of therapeutic content. Furthermore, the unique companionship offered by a therapy dog can significantly bolster a child’s self-esteem and confidence, essential components in overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. This increased sense of self-worth often translates to a more positive outlook towards therapy and personal growth. The emotional support and comfort provided by therapy dogs also play a pivotal role in helping children develop resilience, teaching them to navigate stress and anxiety with a more adaptive perspective.  In essence, the presence of dogs in therapy not only enriches the therapeutic environment but also empowers young clients to engage more fully in their journey towards healing and self-discovery, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of child counseling sessions.

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A story about a bad dog!

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Zeke, my therapy dog, is not a perfect dog. He’s a good dog. At one point however, he was a terrible puppy!

When he was a puppy, he decided it would be great fun to jump our fence at her house and chased deer in the neighborhood. Being handy, I raise the height of our fence by several feet. The first time I let Zeek outside, he saw a group of deer. He ran and then easily jumped the taller fence. He then proceeded to chase the deer in the neighborhood for most of the rest of the day before I was able to catch him.Photo by Sander Weeteling on Unsplash

Because of his bad behavior it made me think of options to help Zeke. Should I find him a better home? Should I send him to the well-known prison dog training program? I decided to call and in-home dog trainer. He did a thorough assessment of our situation and we decided the best course of action was for Zeke to work with the trainer at the trainers’ home for three weeks. When Zeke returned home, he was a completely different dog. He was obedient, he listened to commands eagerly, and most importantly, when he was off leash, he responded to the commands come and stay.

Our next step was to enroll Zeke in advanced dog school which occurred for the next several years. During this time, seek was trained and obstacle courses, off leash work, and received his advanced canine good Citizen certification. We went on to do specific training with professional therapy dogs of Colorado which certified Zeke and I as a certified therapy dog team.

For the last seven years, Zeke has been coming to work four times a week and puts smiles on many people’s faces every day. He loves coming to work. He is playful, loving, and always happy to see people. Zeke is not a perfect dog, but because of some of the mistakes and problems he had when he was younger, we made some choices as a family that helped him to grow into the wonderful dog that he is today.

The reason I’m writing about Zeke today is to remind parents that kids mess up and make many mistakes. We want kids to make mistakes because kids can learn a lot when they mess up. It is our hope that by making mistakes when you’re young, we don’t make the same poor decisions when we are adults and for the most part this is true.

Just want to wish all of you health and happiness as we work through this difficult time and give you a funny story about my labradoodle.

Dr. Steven Lazarus
Child psychologist

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Get To Know Your Animal Helpers

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Get To Know Your Animal Helpers

Kids and animals seem to go together naturally. Just put a child in a room with a puppy, kitten, or turtle, and see how they open up and explore! Throughout human history, we have interacted closely with our four-legged friends for safety, companionship, and entertainment. In today’s world, some of the best child psychologists and teenage psychologists in Colorado know that animals can go a step further  for some teens and children who are struggling with mental health. Read on to find out the amazing ways that therapists and families use animals for emotional health!

The Service Dog

Perhaps the best-known type of helper animal is the service dog! From canine assistants to the blind, to dogs that can detect seizures and call 9-1-1, these animals have been trained for a specific, useful task that addresses a physical or mental health condition. These guys can be fun, but remember, they are working!

The Emotional Support Animal

An emotional support animal provides an important emotional service, such as being used as a coping tool or emotional support. However, these animals may not have been trained on specific task, and may “work” only for their “person.” While service animal is often a “must-have,” similar to a wheelchair for people with limited mobility, an emotional support animal is more like a best friend.

The Therapy Animal

Those who have visited with Dr. Lazarus and Zeke know how amazing a therapy animal can be! Like a service dog, official therapy dogs have had special training and know just how to behave in a therapy setting. Children and teens often struggle with intense conversations, and a soft, furry dog in an animal-assisted therapy setting can be a great ice breaker or stress-reliever. Therapy animals also work well for metaphors, such as helping a child understand the need to care for and care about others. When a child is making the difficult transition through the “tween” years,  animals can help to alleviate the constant tension and awkwardness.

The Family Pet

Last, but not least, the humble family pet deserves a place on this list! Sure, your family pet may growl at strangers, have accidents when the family goes out too long, or bark at inopportune times, but if they love you and you love them, any family pet can be a valuable part of a healthy life. Pets remind us to be gentle, to show love with exuberance (and slobber!), to care for those who need it, and to love unconditionally.

If you think your child or teen would benefit from animal-assisted therapy, don’t wait! Find a great teenage psychologist in Littleton today!

 

 

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How Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Save Your Marriage

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If you’ve checked out the statistics lately, you probably know that your marriage is about as likely to fail as it is to succeed, just looking at the numbers. But there is so much more to a successful marriage than statistics! In fact, one of the best ways that you can protect your marriage is by working on it, making it an active effort, and seeking the best treatment when you know you and your partner are not seeing eye-to-eye. Sometimes, talking with your partner can just seem to be too much, but many effective techniques in couples therapy can help , including animal-assisted therapy. Keep reading to find out just how it works!

Reduce stress. Since the days of Florence Nightingale, animals have been partners in health. For reasons science can’t quite understand yet, animals reduce stress levels in humans, especially when they get to interact with the animal, such as petting it. In fact, research shows that all animals have this benefit—even hard-shelled turtles reduced stress in research! When you are less stressed, you can communicate more clearly with your partner.

Provide distraction. You scheduled an appointment with a couples therapist in Highlands Ranch, but the pressure of talking seems too much! Fortunately, a therapy dog provides great distraction. A therapy dog will great you and wants to play. This is a nice ice-breaker will help you feel relaxed and comfortable each visit.

Model compassion and attunement. Animals are naturally attuned to body language; certain animals like dogs can also smell stress hormones and often respond by giving that person more attention. Humans can learn from our four-legged friends  and become more aware of their own and their partner’s emotional states.

Dr. Steve Lazarus and his therapy dog Zeke have helped hundreds of couples to reconnect, strengthen their relationships, and even save marriages over the years. If you and your partner want to improve or save your marriage, but need a little help, consider animal-assisted therapy!

 

 

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How Animals Help Couples Communicate

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Many couples dread relationship counseling. While each couple is different, most present with one overarching concern: We can’t communicate! Fortunately, there is more to the office in Littleton than couple’s counseling—Zeke, a certified therapy dog, assists and helps people to express their feelings and communicate with one another. But how can a therapy dog help you communicate with your partner? Read on to find out more!

Fidget tool. Despite the popularity of fidget spinners in 2017, many people still struggle with a need to fidget with something, especially when the topic of conversation is otherwise tense. A therapy dog will happy sit and be petted, providing an outlet for both partners to fidget and experience sensory stimulation.

Emotional assurance. Therapy dogs, in general, promote calm and relaxation. Since our four-legged friends are non-judgmental and typically very present-focused, they can help humans feel the same way.

Welcome distraction. Sometimes, couples just need distraction. The depths of love you once shared may be disrupted by hatred, anger, jealousy, or resentment, and a pleasant distraction may be the perfect solution to help you feel better.

Nonverbal language. Dogs are experts at nonverbal language because they don’t speak with words. Instead, they are attuned to your body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and positioning. This can help reflect behavior back to the people demonstrating that behavior. For example, a dog who feels threatened by yelling or erratic behavior may move away from someone displaying these behaviors, even if the person does not realize they are doing it. A skilled couple’s therapist in Littleton can help you to interpret these animal communication signs and adjust accordingly.

Children. Animals can reflect the world of children. You and your partner may try to keep your words civil or may even plaster on a fake smile all day, but your children may sense your emotional distress. Like our animal friends, children, especially young children, often pay more attention to body language and unspoken signals. How the therapy dog reacts, particularly to arguments, can signal the same sort of distress for your child.

To start experiencing the benefits of animal assisted couple’s therapy in Highlands Ranch, give Dr. Lazarus a call today. He and Zeke will be happy to happy to help!

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Top Tips for Introducing a New Pet to the Family

The family pet is an image right out of a Norman Rockwell painting—imagine your dog, curled up by the fireplace, or your cat, curled up in your lap. Now, imagine your child chasing the dog, and the cat, and destroying everything in their path!

While pets can be a wonderful way for kids to learn about responsibility, develop empathy, and even learn to connect emotionally to another creature in a safe and loving manner, it is of utmost importance that your new pet is introduced in a way that will keep both the child and the animal safe. This will set the stage for a strong relationship to come, and will ensure that nobody gets squeezed, bitten, dropped, or scratched. Dr. Steven Lazarus provides animal assisted therapy in Littleton, helping kids to build confidence and express their feelings with the help of his trusted therapy pal: Zeke, the dog. Here are the top 5 tips from Dr. Lazarus and Zeke for introducing a pet to your family.

  1. Choose the right pet. Before bringing home a little ball of fur, make sure your child is mature enough for it. While very small animals like chihuahuas or rabbits may seem like a great idea, children under 10 often lack the fine motor skills to hold these delicate creatures safely. A sturdy dog, cat, or resilient member of the rodent family might make a better pet.
  2. Teach your child how to interact. Small children especially like to pat, hug, and squeeze—the perfect storm for a bite in the face! Teach children to stroke the animal gently on its back and give it space.
  3. Help your child understand your pet. For example, cats might arch their backs and hiss when frightened, while dogs may have wide eyes showing the whites or may cower or back away. Remind your child that the pet is not a toy, it is a living being with feelings who must be respected.
  4. Teach your child that a pet is a long-term commitment. While it can be tempting to get rid of pets when children are not attending to them, this does not teach problem-solving skills, and suggests that some members of the family can simply be discarded. Promote love and responsibility by helping your child provide the best life for their pet.
  5. Accept the truth: the pet will become the parent’s. Even the most responsible children are still children—they still need caretaking, so they will, on many occasions, forget to feed, water, take out, love, brush, or otherwise care for their pet. Don’t get a pet unless you, the parent, are also interested in adding a furry, scaly, or feathery little ball of love to your home!

To find out more tips on parenting, behavior management, or animal assisted therapy in Highlands Ranch, contact Dr. Steven Lazarus.

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How Therapy Dogs Help Children with Reading

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Did you know that dogs can help your child both improve their reading skills and learn to love reading in the process? If your child struggles with reading, consider tutoring with a terrier!

Just ask the kids at B.F. Kitchen Elementary School in Loveland; they’ve been reading to Copper, a golden retriever, since 2011, thanks to the school’s Reading Retriever program — and the results speak for themselves.

This specially trained dog works one-on-one with struggling young readers, providing a supportive, friendly reading buddy who never, ever judges a mispronounced word or run-on sentence. Kids say that having Copper around lifts their spirits, making them feel more confident and excited to read — and results from other schools, libraries and tutoring programs with therapy dogs back this up.

In fact, a study from Tufts University suggests that reading with dogs offers a host of academic, social, physiological and psychological benefits for children, such as:

  • Higher self-esteem and autonomy
  • Reduced stress and lower blood pressure
  • Increased language use
  • Improved social interactions
  • Longer, more sustained focus
  • Better attitude toward school and learning
  • Reduced loss of reading skill over summer vacation
  • Improved reading ability

Libraries, schools and even universities across the country are taking advantage of the benefits of therapy dogs. In Colorado, programs that incorporate reading and therapy dogs are growing more popular, with organizations such as Denver’s Therapy Dogs of Boulder County, Denver Pet Partners, Have Paws Will Travel in Arapahoe County, Aurora’s Wagging Tales, and Paws to Read in Colorado Springs. Even reading to a family pet can help struggling readers to improve their skills and feel more confident.

Reading ability impacts all areas of academic achievement, so building your child’s confidence and skill is essential. Sometimes, a little extra help — from a therapy dog or a professional — can make all the difference. If you’re seeking a child psychologist in the Littleton area, Dr. Steven Lazarus — and his certified therapy dog Zeke — can help your family work through issues together.

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15 Reasons Animal Assisted Therapy Works

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Animal assisted therapy can be more effective than traditional talk therapy because:

1) Animals can increase a person’s motivation and participation in therapy.

A person who is resistant to coming into traditional therapy may be more excited to come in and interact with the animal present.

2) Animals can help build trust with the therapist and can make the therapy room feel like a safe place

When a person learns about the therapists animal, if begins to develop a connection between the person and the therapist. This creates trust between them, allowing the person to feel safe and not threatened.

3) Animals can improve everyone’s social interactions

Animals are playful, funny, spontaneous, and sometimes even moody. Animal assisted therapy breaks down social barriers and enables easy communication.

4) Dogs offer unconditional acceptance

A dog is always happy to see you. He will not judge you, hold a grudge, and is happy to see you no matter who you are.

5) People may identify with certain animals or characteristics of animals

Did you ever play the animal game growing up? “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?” People may use animals as metaphors for problems in their own life. They may identify with personality characteristics in animals and relate them to themselves or other people they know.

6) Animals can help people relax when anxious or upset

Research shows significant changes in peoples physiological arousal when in the presence of an animal. Clients can also focus on ways to relax, slow their breathing, and gain control of their feelings.

7) Animals can provide support for us socially and emotionally

They allow us to want to be social. Animals show their feelings directly, allowing us to learn how to be more free in expressing our own feelings. They allow us to learn different ways to communicate.

8) Some people have difficult connecting with others

Animals provide a unique way for people to learn how to develop strong and intimate bonds and break out of awkward or distant connections with others.

9) Animals make learning new things easier

Every opportunity with an animal can present opportunities to learn something about yourself or others around you. Their presence allows for people to learn quickly and easily what might take much longer in traditional therapy.

10) The presence of an animal in therapy allows for the focus to be on the animal instead of on the client

Feeling less pressure to open up or having to answer questions actually allows for people to open up more quickly and deeply as the animal disarms our normal defenses.

11) Animals may help children who have ADHD

Imagine asking an ADHD child to do three things and complete all of them. They probably will have a great deal of trouble doing this. However, asking these kids to take three steps in training a dog can often be completed. This teaches sequencing, follow through, and patience.

12) A person may see his or her own feelings and issues in the animal

Sometimes, it is easier for us to deal with a problem if we first see it in another person or animal. We develop strategies for how the animal could work out the problem. This then leads to us being more open to doing similar things for our own problem.

13) Dogs are funny and playful

Their playful nature and energy is contagious. Quickly, people are playing and relaxing during a session.

14) Animals promote empathy and nurturance

Animals can help us develop the ability to be empathic toward others. Caring for animals teaches us how to care for ourselves and others.

15) Animals can improve self-esteem

As a child interacts with an animal, they may learn something about themselves or others. For example, they may teach a dog a new trick. This allows a person to feel competent and develops self esteem.

 

Loosely taken from: Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado: Handler’s Guide and Training Manual. (2012).

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The Furry Therapist: How Dogs Aid Psychotherapy

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Therapy DogResearch and my personal observations show that a well-trained therapy dog often is a patient’s best friend during counseling sessions. Brief interactions with therapy dogs can decrease production of the stress hormone epinephrine, reduce blood pressure and decrease anxiety.

Dogs can be ideal healers if they themselves are loved, treated well and properly trained for animal assisted therapy (AAT). They excel at therapeutic interactions — such as cuddling up against a withdrawn child — and give love unconditionally. Friendly, non-judgmental and well behaved, an animal assisted therapy dog helps put a patient at ease.

That’s a good description for my furry co-therapist, Zeke.

A Seeing Heart Dog
Zeke quickly tunes in to the moods of young children, teens and adults troubled by a wide range of problems including autism, child abuse and neglect, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Not only is he one of my most loyal and trusted friends but also one of my best resources for relaxing patients. Zeke helps patients reduce their anxiety and feel comfortable.

Zeke does this with restraint. He gently approaches patients only when they welcome him and give permission through their words and actions. Of course, as an AAT dog he is also trained to pay close attention to my carefully directed cues. Zeke is what some therapists call a ‘seeing heart dog.’

During these interactions, I read the body language — both of Zeke and patients who may be having trouble sharing — to gain valuable information that helps me understand patient states of mind and what questions to ask to facilitate discussion.

Nothing to Sneeze At
Zeke generally won’t make you sneeze or feel itchy. He is a Labradoodle, which means he is part Labrador and part poodle. As with poodles, Labradoodles are hypoallergenic and usually don’t cause allergic reactions.

Similar to both breeds, Labradoodles are gentle and intelligent. So Zeke is well cut out for care giving and aiding in problem solving. His fur and his loving concern are nothing to sneeze at.

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