Why Animal-Assisted Therapy Works

Research shows that working with therapy animals can:

• Reduce stress responses such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels (Beetz et al., 2012).

• Strengthen trust and improve the therapeutic alliance (Fine, 2019).

• Decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness (Crossman, 2017).

• Support trauma recovery by providing a safe, grounding presence (O’Haire, 2015).

• Encourage communication, social skills, and emotional expression, especially in children and adolescents (Silas et al., 2019).

Ozzie in Sessions

In therapy, Ozzie often sits quietly beside clients, offering gentle companionship during moments of reflection or emotion. His calm presence helps clients regulate their breathing, engage in mindfulness, and feel grounded during difficult conversations. Many clients describe feeling calmer, more open, and less alone when Ozzie is present.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When not working, Ozzie enjoys long walks, playing fetch, taking naps in the sunshine, and spending time with his favorite people. These simple joys keep him balanced, happy, and ready to support clients with his steady, loving energy. Ozzie’s combination of intelligence, empathy, and affection makes him an irreplaceable part of our therapeutic team.