Therapy Dog Visits
 | The bond between dog and human has lasted thousands of years and has impacted our emotional health. Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal can experience a lowering of blood pressure, feel the release of strain and tension, and can experience a respite from loneliness and depression. Therapy Dogs International (TDI)was founded in 1976, it is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed. All dogs are tested and evaluated in terms of temperament as well as the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). Leslie Henson Gottesman, the daughter of former 3rd floor residents, visits The Fairfax with her TDI dogs, Pixie and Robin. The trio visits elder care facilities, Alzheimer's extended care |  |
 | facilities, and hospitals. Here at The Fairfax, they have provided roaming visits around the facility, as well as requested individual in-room visits. They are delighted for the coordination with and support from the Activities Department and Family Council. |  |
