Hi! My name is Biscuit and I am a therapist-in-training here at Estes Therapy. I am 2 years old and I am a Golden Doodle. I have been going to school for over a year. I graduated with my Puppy Ph.D. at the school Dog’s With Dave, as well as the Therapy Dog Prep School at Pawsitive Paws. I am now certified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC)! I am working towards my Therapy Dog certification. These are my first step in becoming a therapy dog here at Estes Therapy! My next level of education will be on my Therapy Dog International license. Stay tuned.
When I am not in school working on becoming a therapy dog, I love playing ball, tummy rubs, and swimming in the ocean with my best friend Rye. 🐾
What does a therapy dog do?
Not only am I human’s best friend, I’m being trained to be more in tune with your emotions and know how to respond to them! Puppy cuddles anyone? They really help! Interacting with me in your therapy session can also help keep you present and mindful. I am here to help you feel heard. I’m a great listener! I take a non-judgmental stance on everything you talk about in therapy. I’m here to help support you through the hard moments and help celebrate the successes. Most people find they can really connect with me, and after they feel they can better connect with other humans. I work mostly with people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem.
Benefits of the human and therapy dog bond:
There is plenty of research out there showing the health benefits of having a dog – improved mental, social, and psychological health. I can help reduce your blood pressure and provide physical stimulation. Humans who have a dog in their life even live longer! Not every human is in a position to have an animal friend live with them – time, money, a big enough house. These same benefits can be found when humans are just spending time with us! We really are good boys and good girls! Playing with or petting me can increase your levels of oxytocin (your stress-reducing hormone) and decrease cortisol (your stress hormone). Even just looking into my eyes can increase oxytocin levels! Some rough stuff can come up in therapy, but I’m here to keep you feeling safe!
I can help reduce your anxiety and increase your self-esteem. Having me around can even help stimulate memory and problem solving skills!