Facility Dogs
The Guide Dog Foundation trains and provides facility dogs to provide animal-assisted therapy to support clients in assisted living facilities, special education, medical rehabilitation, and psychiatric programs. These dogs are specially trained to work with a handler who provides rehabilitation and therapeutic services. Dogs are placed on a case-by-case basis.
In a facility setting, the dog and the client work together to accomplish a goal set by a therapist or administrator, which makes the engagement more productive, and creates an environment or situation that is more comfortable and positive. Studies have shown that many individuals with disabilities or special needs respond more positively and more enthusiastically when a dog is involved. However, most importantly, facility dogs provide unconditional love and attention for those with whom they interact.
On April 14th, Jimmy, a two-year-old Golden Retriever was “hired” by Larc School. Jimmy has been in training his whole life and was very excited to become an integral part of our school community. After a year-long application process, Jimmy came to Larc through a partnership with the Guide Dog Foundation and is a facility dog for the Larc School educational and Adult Programs.
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center in Albertson, New York, provides a traditional school setting for children with severe physical disabilities who may require medical treatment throughout the day, and offers a rigorous academic program and opportunities for personal growth and development.
Sunny joined the staff as a facility dog at the Henry Viscardi School in June 2019. He has been trained in a variety of tasks that he can perform on a daily basis: greeting the students as they arrive for the school day and “saying” goodbye when they head home; motivating them during their physical and speech therapy sessions; being a safe and nonjudgmental partner during reading activities; pushing power door buttons, walking with students as a reward, and acting as a social and emotion learning tool to assist children in managing stress and understanding emotions, empathy, goals, and relationships.
Mocha at Helen Keller National Center
The Helen Keller National Center provides training for individuals 16 and older who have combined vision and hearing loss. Its residential programs provide training in assistive technology, vocation services, orientation and mobility, and independent living skills.
Mocha, a fully trained guide dog, spends time in the Creative Arts and Low Vision departments. Art is her absolute favorite place. She loves greeting the students, allowing them to pet her, and provides a lot of love and comfort while in the room. Mocha also provides demo guide dog walks with students who may be interested in applying for a guide dog or were curious about walking with one.