St. John Ambulance Yellowknife Dog Therapy Program

The Cause

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is a volunteer-led initiative that sends trained therapy dogs with their handlers to visit individuals in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and more. The program focuses on using the calming and uplifting presence of therapy dogs to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to people who may be experiencing loneliness, anxiety, stress, or illness. The Therapy Dog Team (handler and dog) are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are ideal while interacting with a wide range of individuals, from children to seniors.

Expanding the Therapy Dog Program in Yellowknife could have a profound positive impact on the community. Yellowknife, like many northern communities, can face unique challenges related to isolation, harsh weather, and limited access to mental health resources. By introducing therapy dogs into workplaces, schools, hospitals, care homes, jails etc., the program could help reduce anxiety and stress offering a form of non-invasive emotional support.

In schools, therapy dogs can play a role in helping students manage stress, improve focus, and foster a positive learning environment. For seniors in long-term care or individuals living in assisted living facilities, regular visits from therapy dogs can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide much-needed companionship.

Furthermore, therapy dogs have been shown to improve overall mental well-being, lower blood pressure, and even help with pain management. Expanding this program in Yellowknife could thus contribute to a healthier, more connected, and emotionally resilient community, offering comfort where it's most needed.

Currently the Program visits: Avens, Aurora College, Yellowknife Library, Home Base Youth Centre. With the program expansion, we could reach so many more people and places. We concurrently have 12 Therapy Dog Teams (handler and dog) operational in Yellowknife.

Program Objectives:
- Expand program reach: Increase the number of facilities served by the dog therapy teams.
- Increase the number of trained dog therapy teams: Recruit and train additional volunteers and their dogs.
- Enhance program infrastructure: Improve program coordination, evaluation, and support services.
- Improve mental health outcomes: Measure and demonstrate the positive impact of the program on mental health in the community.
- Build a strong community: regular in person team building meetings

Who Will it Benefit?

Patients in Hospitals: Therapy dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation for patients, particularly those facing long-term treatment, surgeries, or chronic illness.

Elderly Residents in Long-Term Care: Many elderly individuals, particularly in nursing homes, experience loneliness or depression. Therapy dogs can offer companionship, improve their emotional well-being, and stimulate positive social interactions.

Children in Schools or Special Programs: Therapy dogs can help children, especially those with special needs or those in educational settings, by reducing anxiety, improving communication skills, and fostering a sense of calm and focus.

Individuals with Mental Health Challenges: Therapy dogs provide emotional support to those dealing with stress, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, helping to lift their spirits and offering non-judgmental companionship.

Veterans and First Responders: Those who have experienced trauma or high-stress environments, like veterans and first responders, can benefit from the calming presence of therapy dogs.

People in Hospice or Palliative Care: Therapy dogs can bring comfort to individuals nearing the end of life, providing them with emotional support and a sense of peace.

Students During Exam Periods: Many therapy dog programs visit universities and colleges, helping students reduce stress during exam periods and providing a mental health boost.

Community Members: The dogs can really provide an impact to anyone and everyone