The St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs program is looking to expand its services.
Unfortunately, right now the program is spread thin. They’ve been to Western University 22 times in 2018 so far. The program has become so busy they have had to start turning down visits. The program currently has 85 dogs under their care and have been on campus for over 15 years.
Local fraternity, Delta Upsilon, held a fundraising event to help the program’s development. The event, Delta Dogs, was held in Western University’s University Community Centre where they sold popcorn to raise money.
St. John’s Ambulance plans to use the money to train and certify more Therapy Dogs and increase the number of volunteers.
A representative from the Therapy Dogs program, Jenny Hauser, says that according to studies, petting a dog for just five minutes can lower blood pressure and increase levels of Dopamine and Serotonin in the brain. She goes on, “Anytime we can provide a service where students can leave their problems behind for even five minutes, is a job well done for us.”
Check out the video below to see more of the event.
