While it doesn’t close down government agencies, National Therapy Animal Day is one to be celebrated every year.
Though the national day is traditionally observed April 30, Joanne Remillard said her local group, Therapy Animals of Nevada County, was eager to jump on the celebration, holding their second annual walkabout at the Nevada County Fairgrounds Tuesday.
The animals in attendance are all in their own way volunteers to the community, offering comfort in all sorts of atmospheres ranging from high school counseling rooms to court rooms, in which those testifying could use a little emotional support from their furry friends.
All sorts of therapy dogs and mini horses were in attendance Tuesday, and took their proud walk around the grounds before settling into business.
Remillard said that the science behind animal assisted therapies demonstrates very positive outcomes for the human folk involved, reducing stress and loneliness. Companionship of this sort can also help improve learning skills and, let’s face it, dogs are often a calming presence.
Grass Valley Police Department Deputy Chief Steve Johnson was out for the walkabout, and took time to acknowledge the services provided by these incredible animals and their partners.
“The service you provide is invaluable to the community at large,” Johnson told the teams. “For every furry friend there’s a partner, it’s at least 50 percent of that equation, if not more. The time you put in, the commitment. We thank you for your service, because we all are wanting the same thing, and that’s a healthy and safe community, and you are providing part of that for us.”
Callie Hansen brought along her pup, a Great Pyrenees named Pluto who was a rescue and at nine years old is newly ordained as a therapy dog. Pluto is just one of the dogs who has been a companion for students at Nevada Union High School who are part of the RAYS program—Restorative Accountable Youth Solutions—which offers students with infractions an alternative to suspension.
Pluto, said Hansen, has recently been certified as a therapy dog for the program which entails peer-led counseling within the high school. His association with the school has significant background, especially considering Nevada Union teacher Steve Hansen, Callie’s husband, has played a large part in the RAYS criteria.