Bassett Healthcare is asking people to lend a hand – or a paw – to those who need it most. Have you ever considered becoming a certified pet therapy team with your dog? Research shows that dogs provide dramatic emotional and physical benefits to patients, including lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, lowering anxiety, helping children overcome speech disorders and relieving pain. Become certified and give a precious gift.

The evaluation clinic begins Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Training classes will occur every Saturday for eight weeks, and participants will have the option to join sessions from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.  It will all happen at the     Outpatient Clinic Lobby at Bassett Medical Center

Participants will pay $10 per dog at the initial evaluation clinic. Training classes are free to participants, sponsored by Bassett Healthcare Network. All dogs are required to receive annual physicals, must have proof of rabies vaccinations (and other immunizations), must use monthly flea protection and must be bathed for each visit. Participants are required to complete Bassett’s volunteer registration processes. For more information, call Barbara Tarka at 607-547-6691. To learn more about volunteering at Bassett, visit www.bassett.org/volunteer.

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