A Good Companion
By Silverman, Rogena Schuyler; Rehab Management,Publication Date: March 2008
Article on the use of dogs to aid in physical therapy. Assistance dogs are used to perform menial tasks people with disabilities are unable to do, such as opening doors, switching on lights, and retrieving out-of-reach objects. Therapy dogs also work closely with physical and occupational therapy professionals, assisting them with their clients' therapeutic sessions. The article describes one such partnership, where a physical therapist uses a dog to assist her outpatient adult clients with exercise routines such as rotation and standing balance with reach. The therapist obtained her dog from the California-based Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit group that breeds, trains, and raises assistance dogs, matches them with eligible individuals, and provides ongoing support of these human/canine partnerships. More information on CCI can be obtained by visiting http://www.cci.org/ or calling (866) 224-3647.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.rehabpub.com/issues/articles/2008-03_07.asp?
