olive

What is the purpose of having a dog at the clinic?

Olive is very aware of her life’s calling! She absolutely adores being with humans. She has an innate willingness to be pet, hugged on, played with, etc. which is essential for her job as clinic companion. Since 12 weeks old, Olive has been immersed into the clinic environment and “on the job” when needed. Olive is skilled at interacting with humans of various ages, abilities and personalities with a relaxed demeanor that stays constant no matter who she is with.

Olive provides our children in the clinic the ability to practice and implement learned skills that are acquired while in therapy sessions. 

Benefits of utilizing our clinic companion in a physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions are:

  • Motivator and model 
  • Encouraging children to participate and engage
  • Serving as a reward & something to look forward to
  • Assisting with increasing range of motion, flexibility, and gross motor skills
  • Balance
  • Sensory supports 
  • Teaching life skills such as: how to walk a dog, understanding safety interactions with an animal, self regulation of self when with an animal, grooming, etc.
  • Following directions 
  • Memory skills 
  • Expressive & Articulation Skills