Fun with Furry Friends

By Cassie Bingham, Communications Specialist 

Last week Guadalupe students had the opportunity to make some new friends - five of the incredible therapy dogs from the Intermountain Therapy Animals group. Students gathered around caretakers in small groups to learn about the dogs, and how they have been trained to assist others. Then, much to the delight of all of the kids, they were allowed to pet and hug the dogs, getting to know them and smiling and laughing the entire time. 

Intermountain Therapy Animals' mission is "Enhancing quality of life through the human-animal bond." It is a nonprofit organization that assists people with their therapeutic needs whether physical, occupational, speech, or psychopathic, by bringing specially trained animals to assist and comfort. These animals have been trained to be extremely people-orientated  and possess the necessary skills to appropriately interact with humans in need of therapy or anxiety-reducing interaction. The organization even provides a literacy program that involves reading to dogs called Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D). 

We felt very privileged to have been visited by these amazing animals. The students had a blast, and learned a lot about how the friendship between animals and humans is not only entertaining, but can truly be a huge benefit in the lives of people in need of comfort and companionship. Thank you Intermountain Therapy Animals! 

Check out the gallery below to see the fun pictures! 

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