Therapy dogs in the upper Filstal: Help us form new teams!

Therapy dogs in the upper Filstal: Help us form new teams!

In Göppingen they are looking for new four-legged heroes. Manfred Neumann, responsible for the therapy dog ​​team of the DRK district association Göppingen, is looking for reinforcements for his team in the upper Filstal. With their presence, these dedicated dog teams bring joy and well-being to children in daycare centers, seniors in residential homes and patients in nursing homes and hospices. Physical contact and stroking are not only permitted, but also desired, as these actions significantly promote the well-being of those visited.

There are currently 21 DRK therapy dog ​​teams in the Göppingen district, which operate mainly in the western part of the district. In the east, however, no support can be offered due to a lack of staff, which leads to requests from the Geislingen area being rejected. Neumann hopes that dog owners in Gingen, Kuchen, Geislingen and the surrounding communities - such as Wiesensteig, Drackenstein, Gruibingen, Hohenstadt and Mühlhausen im Täle - will contact him.

Training to become a therapy dog

But not every dog ​​is immediately suitable for this important task. To be used as therapy dogs, the animals must be between two and seven years old and have basic obedience. The dogs complete an “aptitude test” that evaluates their behavior in various situations. The training itself consists of three modules over three weekends, supplemented by specialist lectures from a veterinarian and a human medicine specialist. The prospective therapy dogs also have to complete two internships with experienced staff before they take the theory and practical exam.

After successfully completing these tests, the dogs can be used for visits. Particularly in schools and libraries, some therapy dogs take on the role of “reading dogs” to help children read aloud. In this special environment, the animals help improve reading skills while encouraging children's confidence in their own abilities.

The commitment of therapy dog ​​teams is a strong example of how harmony can be created between humans and animals. And that is exactly what is very popular not only in Göppingen, but in many parts of Germany. More and more people are recognizing the therapeutic effect of these special four-legged friends.

So if you have a dog that meets the necessary requirements and is willing to do something good, you shouldn't be afraid to contact Manfred Neumann. Because where so many positive effects on the community can be expected, it is only a matter of time before a good hand is found for new therapy dog ​​teams.