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People’s trauma is a very important topic that needs to be addressed, especially for children who don't have the proper materials to help cope with the trauma that was endured. Due to the pandemic, it created a bigger gap between students and certain clubs/organizations that are able to provide children the resources they need. In the city of Hartford we have a lot of great organizations that are well known for helping others and giving that safe space for them, but there’s a lot of other organizations that don't get their realization that they deserve. Studies have shown that when people interact with animals like dogs, certain chemicals in your brain that cause depression and anxiety are released. When people see an animal like a dog most are going to want to pet it and obtain a sense of relief, but why is that? “Several studies have shown petting and playing with a dog can improve patients' moods by decreasing their distress and pain specifically. A visiting dog can boost your body's production of endorphins, which ultimately trigger the release of chemicals that act like painkillers and produce euphoria.” (Why does Animal Therapy Work, (It’s Not Just Cute Dogs), 2018). An example of this is Tails of Joy that is located in Avon CT. Their plan is to provide a network of dependable, caring volunteers committed to providing a therapeutic benefit through the use of animals to people who need comfort or company, to provide support, training, and education to those interested in animal therapy programs, also to build connections between volunteers, facilities and individuals seeking animal therapy. In my capstone I will be working with Jan Proll who is an animal trainer and her dog Sophie, to show students the importance of animal therapy, also showing awareness to the Tails of Joy organization. |