Golden Retriever has Virtual Therapy Sessions
April 21, 2020
Ricochet the golden retriever is giving virtual love to the people who need it most right now.
Without question, these are difficult times we are living through. The spread of the coronavirus means the world has come to a halt, and life as we know it has changed for the foreseeable future. However, throughout the crisis companies,people,and now even pets, have come together to bring a little calm in the chaos.
While many people have taken to virtual travel, some may need something a bit more soothing. And that’s where Ricochet, a truly good girl, comes into play.
Ricochet the golden retriever happens to be a therapy dog with “Pawsitive Teams” Canine Inspired Community Reintegration (CICR) program out of San Diego, a partnership program with the Naval Medical Center San Diego. On a typical day, she may be working with veterans with PTSD, assisting those with different disabilities, spending time with children with autism and special needs, or hanging out with wounded warriors and “anyone else who needs healing.”
But now, as NBC4 in San Diego explained, she has reported for duty as an on-call pup alongside other essential healthcare workers. But, rather than visit hospitals, she’s now made herself available for virtual sessions via FaceTime with any frontline medical worker who needs it.
“In every other crisis, therapy dogs are called upon to provide comfort and healing,” Ricochet’s team told the station. “But, due to social distancing and quarantine, animal-assisted therapy programs have been suspended.” However, that’s not letting the team nor Ricochet stop their important work. As Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s mom explained, they are now offering “… Virtual Canine Therapy to doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to NBC4.
And truly, this virtual experience can be just as rewarding. As Ricochet’s team shared on its Virtual Therapy Dog website, “Did you know making eye contact with a dog can reduce anxiety? Did you know gazing into a PHOTO of a dog’s eyes creates a calming, connected state of being that, after 30 to 60 seconds, triggers the release of oxytocin in the brain? Oxytocin is a hormone that reduces anxiety and creates a calming, connected state of being.”
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, […]