FaceTime With This Therapy Pup
April 16, 2020
If you’ve ever asked your dad, your spouse, or your kid to “put the dog on the phone,” while you were busy running out and about, then you know the soothing sweetness that comes from connecting with your canine, even when it is screen-to-screen.
Animal connection has long been a source of comfort for we humans, and that’s seen today in the thousands of therapy animals that regularly visit schools, nursing homes, and anywhere a little floppy-eared, tongue-out tenderness is needed.
The coronavirus closures changed all that, at least temporarily, but some Fidos are still out there, lending some love to those healthcare professionals on the frontlines.
Ricochet, a gorgeous Golden Retriever from San Diego County, is one of those peace-bringing pups. The red-haired hound has become famous for her chops on a surfboard, but she also serves the community, near and far, as a therapy dog.
In fact, the Very Good Girl is “… one of ten certified, goal-directed therapy dogs that participates in Pawsitive Teams Canine Inspired Community Reintegration (CICR) program, a collaboration with Naval Medical Center San Diego.”
Ricochet is currently on call for healthcare and essential workers looking for a virtual session, via FaceTime, with a therapy pup.
Ricochet’s human, Judy Fridono, is offering “… Virtual Canine Therapy to doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, and first responders on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the brave and tireless people who could use a moment of eye contact with an animal.
That’s the virtual end of this process: eye contact, for obviously there’s no petting nor scritching nor kissing of floppy ears in person.
“In every other crisis, therapy dogs are called upon to provide comfort and healing,” reveals Ricochet’s team. “But, due to social distancing and quarantine, animal assisted therapy programs have been suspended.”
But you can spend a meaningful moment with Ricochet, via a screen, indulging in eye contact, and getting to know her, which may soothe and cheer.
How can a healthcare or essential worker schedule a few minutes, via FaceTime, with this noble therapy animal? And not only gaze upon her sweet face but get to know about what she does.
Register your Dog Schedule a Visit
Recent News
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Therapy Dogs At School
Those who own a dog can attest to their ability to lift mood, improve stress and bring joy by simply being there, unanswering, seemingly all-knowing and always delighted to see you. Therapy animals are known for their calm and comforting nature, giving people a way to relax, de-stress and interact with a loving pet. They […]
Wonder Dog
For those of us with dogs, we know they quickly become major parts of the family. You live for and care for just like one of your own children, and one dog right here in Oklahoma City is beating the odds, and helping others recover as a therapy dog, despite all of the issues he’s […]
Scott And Charlie
Cherokee Middle School students may do a little more “doodling” second semester starting this month (January), but also will improve their attendance marks because of a special attraction at the school, courtesy of Principal Scott Aden. Aden, an effective, caring administrator, has acquired and will house and handle a young female Golden Doodle (Charlie) that […]
Hope For Veterans
E5 Therapy opened in April with a different way to help veterans in therapy. They offer canine-assisted therapy along with talk therapy to veterans and veterans’ families in Solano County. Owner Matthew Decker is a licensed clinical social worker in Northern California, focused on helping veterans achieve their mental health goals. Along with his team, […]