COVID-19 has taught us now, more than ever, we need therapy dogs in our lives.  Science has shown therapy dogs reduce anxiety and stress during traumatic situations, and the current pandemic is no exception. Your donation to STAR will support additional training for dogs and their handlers to provide comfort and support to community members otherwise isolated during this time of uncertainty.  Every dollar donated to STAR provides additional support so our community will not have to struggle through isolation alone.  Please support our STAR therapy dogs with your donations.

For #GivingTuesday2020 The COVID-19 Pandemic has created unimaginable stress and anxiety throughout the world.  During these uncertain and challenging times, maybe more than ever, people need to know they are not alone and we can help  Your gift to STAR can support increased training for dogs and their handlers to provide comfort and assist many others in our communities. 

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Certified Therapy and Service Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and provide tremendous value for community members of all ages whether in a home or out and about. In fact, science has determined that animal-assisted therapy can: 
* Lower anxiety                            * Reduce loneliness
* Improve moods                         * Provide comfort
* Increase mobility                      * Diminish physical pain
 
Certified Therapy Dogs      

• Improve social interactions, increase community engagement, and increase self-confidence.
• Motivate and encourage reading for children! 

 
Service Dogs

• Assist and improve self-management for persons with diabetes and other medical conditions.
• Assist persons with PTSD and include skills for individualized support.

STAR offers training and certification of therapy dogs and their handlers in Rockbridge County.  Certified therapy dogs and their handlers will be able to visit hospitals and clinics, schools and libraries, crisis and legal services (with additional training), assisted living and residential services, and many other settings. 

To learn more about Pet Therapy Training and Certification schedules at STAR please email mwatkins.starinc@gmail.com.

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