Meet Phoebe Our Emotional Support Dog
Support dog will be available by prior request only
Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Why did we choose to use an emotional support animal at the office? Research has long supported the idea that animals can provide significant psychological health benefits. Owning a pet has positive effects on mental health by fostering emotional connectivity and helping people manage times of stress.
Some of the other benefits that emotional support animals may provide include:
- Less anxiety. Simply petting an animal can create a relaxation response and elevate mood.
- Improved physical health. Studies have found that emotional support animals help to lower blood pressure, decrease respiration rates, and improve the ability to cope with pain, stress & anxiety
- Reciprocal care and love. Not only do animals provide unconditional love and companionship, but they also require care and love in return, which can be emotionally rewarding.
Pet therapy animals are pets trained to provide affection and comfort to people in a variety of settings. Numerous studies have investigated the benefits of therapy dogs and cats on people’s mental and physical health. Therapy pets help calm patients and may reduce anxiety in children and adults.
How Do Therapy Pets Help People?
Studies have shown interaction with an animal:
- lowers blood pressure
- improves cardiovascular health
- promotes “friendly social attention smiles, and conversation”
- lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone
Dogs are especially lovable companion animals, though cats have been studied as well. If patients get to play with a dog in the waiting room and then pet one while sitting in the chair, their dental procedures may go more smoothly and everyone in the room will feel more at ease.
Additionally, if patients are excited to visit the office because of its four-legged guest, they may be more likely to schedule the follow-up appointments they need to get the best oral care.
Having a therapy pet in the office may provide a welcome distraction for the patient to help reduce fear and anxiety.
About Phoebe: She is a Shih poo
Shih Poo, also known as the “teddy bear dog” for its adorable, affectionate expression that looks just like a stuffed bear. The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle dog breeds. Small, hypoallergenic, and cuddly companions, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
The Shih Poo’s Personality and Temperament
Shih Poos have very unique personalities that match their fluffy appearance. These small dogs are typically very friendly and affectionate with lots of energy.
They tend to be outgoing and fairly easy to train, their intelligence should not be underestimated.
We Want to Make Your Childs Visit the Most Positive Experience!
What Makes the Shih Poo Such an Awesome Support Animal?
Simply put, Shih Poos are incredibly cute and incredibly loving, affectionate creatures. For these reasons and more, Shih Poos can make more than just a great pet; they’re also great as emotional support animals. Ahead, we’ll go through just some of the reasons that can make them so perfect for the job.
Shih Poos Are Awesome Companions
Shih Tzus were originally bred for companionship, and this trait definitely passes down to the Shih Poo.
Emotional support animals have an important task in offering their distressed owners some extent of emotional stability, and this can come in the forms of constant companionship and unconditional love: two traits the Shih Poo can offer in abundance.
Shih Poos Offer Great Loyalty and Devotion
Shih Poo’s can devote all their love and attention, and it doesn’t get much more warm and loving than the Shih Poo.
These small, lovable bundles of fluff could cuddle all day, and they’re extremely devoted and loyal.
Shih Poos Have a Calm and Relaxed Nature
Having a relaxed nature is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when looking for an emotional support animal.
The last thing you’d want if you’re already feeling worked up, exhausted, and stressed is to have to calm down an overly excited, aggressive, or loud dog.
Shih Poos Crave Attention
Your Shih Poo will be frequently crave your attention, so they’ll do anything to make you happy, and the littlest praise can go a long way.
If they can latch onto something that seems to please you, they’ll try to win your attention and praise by doing it over and over and over again.
Shih Poos Can be Hilarious
You can always count on your Shih Poo to make you smile again after a rough day. Laughter is always the best medicine, as they say, and these dogs are well known for putting smiles on their owners’ faces.
