Cavapoos are Remarkable Therapy Dogs!
- They put sunshine back into a gloomy world for those distressed by downturns in life.
- Because of their innate traits, they provide therapy in environments ranging from universities to nursing homes to funeral homes!
- They help us enjoy better mental and physical health.
Their “Teddy Bear” Look is Therapeutic!
Cavapoos are living and breathing teddy bears! And who doesn’t love teddy bears?
Cavapoos have tight curls and a mischievous personality that makes them irresistible!
Their appearance lifts us away from a world full of anxiety and pressure, reminding us that life still has its precious moments.
As an owner of a Cavapoo, I know from experience the joy that this breed can provide.
My wife and I lost “Bama,” a Shih Tzu/Terrier mix that was our world for almost 15 years.
We were heartbroken.
Soon afterward, we visited a Cavapoo breeder and fell in love with “Opie.”
He mended our hearts and filled our home again with the joy of owning a dog.
Their Personality is Amazingly Outgoing
Cavapoos never meet strangers (which makes them the perfect therapy dog).
They love children and senior citizens (and everyone else in between).
There’s not a shy bone in their body!
Cavapoos aren’t irritable or moody, but rather possess a pleasant and happy disposition.
And the more praise you give them, the more they’ll interact with you.
Therapy canines must be comfortable in strange environments like nursing homes or hospitals where oxygen tanks and IV poles are commonplace.
Because of their extrovert nature, I can’t think of a better choice for a therapy dog!
Their Sensitivity Makes Them the Ultimate Therapy Dog
I had open heart surgery for a thoracic ascending aorta aneurysm in October of 2022.
After coming home from the hospital, my anxiety level at how Opie would respond was a 9 on a scale of 10!
But he sensed that I needed healing and rest. He never tried to playfully jump up on me!
Because of the Cavapoos sensitivity, they’re the absolute best therapy dog for anyone needing encouragement, healing, and support.
They Possess a Superb Intellect
Due to their Poodle genes, Cavapoos are highly intellectual dogs.
So, when the owner of a Cavapoo instructs his pup to shake hands with a patient or perform other tricks, he knows what to do and will respond quickly.
He wants to show off his high IQ!
Also, Cavapoos are skilled in the art of concentration-whether the objects are toys or people who need encouragement.
So, this breed doesn’t have an attention problem.
They’ll give the subject of their therapy their full attention.
And that means a successful outcome!
They Have a Gentle Nature
Although Cavapoos are outgoing and love to be the stars of the show, they’re also very gentle.
While their sportier trait comes from their Poodle mix, the calmer and more subdue feature of Cavapoos is linked to their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel heritage.
They love to be held and petted. That’s why they’re often labeled as “Velcro dogs,” or “lap dogs.”
Unlike some breeds that guard their area with a growl and bare their teeth as a warning, Cavapoos welcome complete strangers into their “area,” demonstrating their gentle disposition.
This attribute is essential for a therapy dog, especially in the theatre of nursing homes or hospitals.
Their Hypoallergenic Nature is a Plus
Although no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, Cavapoos are the closest to it.
Therefore, no one must worry about having an allergic reaction and having to take Benadryl after holding or being near a Cavapoo.
You’ll be in a sneeze-free zone!
Cavapoos Love to Entertain
Because Cavapoos love to be the main act, they’ll make patients smile and laugh.
They put their heart and soul into pleasing humans.
Watching Cavapoos do various tricks provides the necessary therapy for those who need a lift.
Where Therapy Dogs Do Their Magic
These are chemicals from our brains that affect mood and happiness.
Therapy dogs, by their presence and interaction, changes lives!
Note: Some of the following places use therapy dogs other than Cavapoos.
Universities-Helping Students with Anxiety
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky has a 16-pound Cavapoo nicknamed “Professor Chip” because of his monstrous eyebrows.
His mission? To bring calm and joy to students who’re stressed out, helping them “make the grade.”
Dr. Corrine Murphy, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences said, “When you see him on campus, you’ll actually see him be very comfortable in places like the union where there’s a lot of activity. He can just be walking down the hall calmly and you’ll see a student or a staff member whose face just lights up.”
Students in their first year of college can especially benefit from therapy dogs.
Many freshmen are away from home and may be experiencing “separation anxiety.”
Therapy dogs like “Professor Chip” can reduce the level of homesickness that students may have, helping them to acclimate to college life.
Veteran Hospitals and Clinics
Whether it’s PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) brought on by war, or a physical illness contracted later in life, Cavapoos can rally our veterans to better emotional and physical health.
Therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety that veterans have as they transition back into society after being away fighting for our nation.
Nursing Homes
Elderly residents in nursing home facilities love the darling of designer dogs—the Cavapoo!
- Therapy dogs can reduce loneliness among senior citizens who reside in a nursing home setting.
- They can help residents develop a better sense of self-worth as well as contentment as they acclimate to a home shared by others.
- Alzheimer patients may journey back to their childhood days while petting a therapy dog, envisioning the joyful times they shared with a childhood pet.
Children’s Hospitals
It’s heartbreaking to see a child battling cancer, leukemia, or brain tumors.
Little souls that daily stare at the mountain of health decline, not fully understanding what is before them.
That’s where Cavapoos can help.
They can provide the encouragement that courageous little people need.
Children and puppies go hand in hand.
Not only do children love dogs, but dogs love children!
While the main goal of therapy dogs is to encourage and bring smiles to their human subjects, there’s the side benefit of socialization that’s so important.
Through interacting with a therapy dog, a child can become comfortable and gain self-confidence as they build relationships with children who have similar health issues.
Therapy dogs are instrumental in creating bonds that’ll last a lifetime.
Children in the hospital with broken limbs, or diabetes, or respiratory problems can find immediate respite from a visit by a therapy pup, resulting in a faster recovery period.
Phoenix Children’s
Phoenix Children’s began their Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program more than 25 years ago.
They list the following ways that children are motivated by therapy dogs to get back on the road to good health.
- Get up, move, walk, leave their room and play
- Participate in therapy (physical, occupational and speech)
- Forget their discomfort or pain
- Interact more with others
- Improve their mood
- Improve their interactions with family and staff
- Participate in their treatment
- Do things that may be a struggle, such as eating, taking medication, or waiting
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude is renowned for treating children afflicted with cancer, leukemia, and tumors.
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude has its Paws at Play Facility Dog Program, using a team of Golden Retrievers to combat anxiety in children as they face possible life-ending diseases.
Children’s of Alabama
Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham offers their Hand in Paw Therapy program to children facing a medley of health concerns.
“Alabama’s premier Animal-Assisted Therapy provider” has touched lives in more than 100 medical centers, schools, and human service organizations throughout North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling Services
Some counseling services use Cavapoos to provide help for those who have addiction and substance abuse problems.
A case in point is Breakthroughs Counseling & Recovery, Inc. located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jenny Batalla, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Breakthroughs, and her therapy dog partner Apollo offer support for the addicted.
Apollo, a 3-year-old Cavapoo, works with clients in individual and group settings.
School Therapy Dog Programs
Schools can benefit from therapy dogs to better the social and emotional health of students and help them reach educational goals.
Maybe an example or two are in order!
Slippery Rock Area Elementary School in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania knows the benefit of using a Cavapoo therapy dog to encourage education among children.
The Cavapoo dog’s name is Cash, and his handler is the school’s counselor, Carisa Takac.
Working with the permission of parents, Ms. Takac and Cash seek to bring about better social-emotional wellness and communication skills among students.
According to the school’s website, research shows that using a therapy dog in a school setting increases school attendance, helps students to complete schoolwork, improves social and emotional health of students, encourages students to grow in their appreciation for their school, and reduces stress and anxiety.
The Source (a school-based youth services program) and Freshman Academy at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver, New Jersey know the value of therapy dogs.
Suzanne Keller, supervisor of the schools initiated the concept of a permanent in-house therapy dog to her administration.
And the rest is history!
Check out Riley, Keller’s Cavapoo certified therapy dog, by clicking this link leading to the school’s website.
Mental Illness Youth and Outpatient Facilities
Cavapoo therapy dogs do exceptional work with youth who’re struggling with mental illness.
Meet Charlie, a member of the therapy dog team at Paws for Patrick, a non-profit organization serving to link young people facing mental challenges with therapy dogs.
This great service honors the memory of Patrick Roemer, who passed away at 18 years old from depression and anxiety.
Fire and Police Stations
Firemen and police battle stressful situations every day, guarding us from danger.
We’re so thankful for their unselfish work to communities across the globe.
They sacrifice their physical wellbeing and put their mental state at risk as they fight fires and protect society against the bad guys.
There’s no doubt that these marvelous public servants benefit from trained therapy dogs.
Enter Millie, a Cavapoo owned by Michelle Moores.
Ms. Moores is a Welfare Manager at Staffordshire Police Station in England.
Millie brought smiles to police student officers and then visited at the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to cheer up firemen.
Funeral Homes
Therapy dogs have a calming effect upon those grieving the loss of a family member or friend.
They can transform the mood of a funeral home from emotional distress into a more relaxed atmosphere.
Therapy dogs console children who don’t understand why a loved one has passed away by taking their minds temporarily off their loss.
Brian Merkle, president of Merkle Funeral Service in Monroe and Erie, Michigan gave this true account of a therapy dog providing comfort.
“A young mother died unexpectedly, leaving several children, including a teenage daughter, behind. The daughter was sitting in our lobby, crying uncontrollably. Lola, our therapy dog, knew she needed comfort, so she climbed up on the couch and lay right next to the emotional daughter. The girl soon began stroking Lola’s soft coat and stopped crying. Lola helped ease her burden, if only for a moment.”
In Courtrooms
Dogs in courtrooms?
No, not dogs in general, but rather certified therapy dogs!
Therapy dogs give an indispensable service to witnesses of crime who may feel intimidated by courtroom proceedings.
Take a child, for instance.
The whole idea of testifying in court can be scary for an adult, but even more so for an innocent child.
A therapy dog can calm a child and persuade him to answer questions that he otherwise wouldn’t.
An actual example of the effect that a therapy dog had on a child witness is reported in an article entitled Court Facility Dogs-Easing the Apprehensive Witness, appearing in childrenslawoffice.com.
Duke, a 3-year-old collie working with a Florida nonprofit organization called Four Legged Advocates, was present while a 10-year-old girl who attempted to testify began crying. While the victim advocate and the prosecutor tried to console her, the girl reached out and gave Duke a hug, which allowed her to complete her testimony.
So, it’s from the doghouse to the courthouse for trained therapy dogs!
Our legal system understands the value of using therapy canines.
Currently 41 states use facility dogs in courthouses.
Note: Therapy dogs are a type of facility dogs.
Therapy Dogs Used in Conjunction with Makaton to Help Those with Communication Disabilities
On the Makaton website, a Cavapoo named Bobbi the Therapy Dog motivates those with high-functioning autism, non-verbal autism, selective mutism, and PMLD by responding positively to hand signals such as sit, lie down, and stay.
This helps children and adults with communication disabilities associate signs and symbols with words.
Conclusion
In addition to the joy they bring to our homes, Cavapoos are used in multiple environments to enhance mental and physical health.
“Man’s Best Friend” comes to our rescue from every corner of society, offering therapy and making the globe a better place to live.
Give your pup a hug (whether he is a Collie, Lab, Golden Retriever, or a CAVAPOO)!
Pet him and get your dose of serotonin and dopamine!
Then stare in his beautiful eyes for the oxytocin release.
It’s true-your pup will change your outlook on life!
We all could use a dose of therapy from our Cavapoos!
-Howell
