“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” – Dean Koontz

Sheamus is a 3 year old Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla mix – at least that’s the best guess. He was rescued from K9s4U dog rescue out of Island Lake, IL in December 2017 by his handler, Corie. The rescue pulled him out of a “high kill” shelter in Texas and brought him to Illinois to be adopted. It was Corie’s hope he could be trained to be a therapy dog and assist her in providing Animal Assisted Therapy with her clients. Since being adopted, Sheamus has completed Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced obedience training with Corie and was then evaluated by Pet Partners, a national therapy dog organization, to become a registered therapy dog team. Corie and Sheamus passed with flying colors and Sheamus has been a valuable co-therapist since then.

What to expect in session:

Humans and animals have a unique connection. Interacting with a therapy animal can help:

• reduce stress,
• improve self-esteem and social skills,
• reduce depression and anxiety symptoms
• release endorphins that produce a calming effect

Sheamus is very intuitive and often senses when people need a little bit of extra attention. At times, you can find him lounging at your feet or next to the couch. If welcomed by you, he does love to cuddle and will settle himself in your lap. Sheamus also knows basic obedience commands and enjoys performing them for treats. Your individual relationship with Sheamus will be up to you. He can be involved as much or as little as you would like in session.