There are more than 43 million Americans with disabilities who are
striving to overcome their personal limitations to become independent
as possible and contribute to society. More than half of these people
are adults. Canine Connection is a group of dog owners who volunteer
their time and the use of their dogs to motivate these individuals to
overcome their disabilities through animal-assisted therapy programs
using certified therapy dogs.
The purpose of the program is to enlist the healing power of animals
for goal-oriented therapy. It is all about using our companion animals,
specifically dogs, to enhance the therapy experience and patient
progress. It is not about the dogs or how clever or handsome they are.
Rather, the dogs are tools in the patient's recovery.
Canine Connection programs are currently focused on a variety of venues:
- Cunningham Childrens' Home
- Carle Hospital Therapy Services
- Demonstrations and interactive play sessions at nursing homes and other organizations and
- Illinois Brain Injury Association summer camp programs.