MILLTOWN — The Caregiver Canines program brings certified therapy dogs and their handlers into the homes of the elderly, disabled, veterans and those with dementia to brighten their days and light up their lives.
A network of Caregiver Canines volunteers and their certified therapy dogs — many of which are rescues — are matched with seniors and scheduled for one-to-one visits in their private homes.
“Therapy dogs have been proven to reduce stress and loneliness, help trigger memories of the past, and improve the health and self-esteem of those they visit,” Sue Dowling, executive director of Interfaith Network of Care, said in a prepared statement. “Weekly visits bring great joy to those who are lonely and love dogs, but are no longer able to care for a pet due to illness, isolation or financial limitations.”
Caregiver Canines was founded in 2009 by Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey as a unique new service, which the Interfaith Network of Care now offers.
The program has experienced significant growth as demand for home visits increased and new Caregiver Canines’ chapters have launched nationwide.
“While most therapy dog programs visit hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other group settings, our Caregiver Canines visit private homes where the resident will receive complete and uninterrupted attention from the therapy dog,” Dowling said.
For more information on the local Caregiver Canines volunteer team, contact Dowling at 732-247-1655 or [email protected].
All Caregiver Canines therapy dog visits are provided free of charge to the recipient.
For additional program information, visit www.interfaithnetworkofcare.org.