KOIN News

Portland 'Therapy Pets' Leave For NYC

Dogs Assist Grief Counselors

Posted: 4:40 p.m. PDT September 21, 2001

PORTLAND -- On Friday morning, two "therapy dogs" left Portland for New York.

Their mission will be to console people who've lost their loved ones in the attack.

Doctors say that companion animals can help lower blood pressure and reduce your stress. They can also help people in severe depression.

"Each dog is a little bit different," handler Cindy Ehlers says. "Some dogs will actually search out the person who's in emotional trauma they will alert the handler, the handler will then … reach out to another person and they make that connection. So it's like a bridge."

Experts say that people who are in a state of emotional distress give off a certain scent that only animals can pick up.

For more information, contact the Dove Lewis Pet Assisted Therapy Program at (503) 535-3391 ext. 22.

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2001

Answers

I beleive animals know..when I am "down" mine all try to comfort me.

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2001