Ways that dogs improve your health - for dog owners and those visited regularly by dogs, alike: Children who have dogs tend to be more self-relient, socialable, and less selfish than children without pets. Elderly people with dogs are better able than non-pet owning elderly people to cope with daily activities. Owning a dog gives isolated people a routine, a sense of purpose, and a sense of fullfillment that helps prevent depression and loneliness. Stroking and patting a dog can be relaxing, which is measured by a slower heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Owning a dog can help reduce the risk of asthma. Dog owners are more likely to survive heart attacks than non-pet owners are. The presence of a dog can ease the effects of Alzheimer's. People with dogs have found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who do not.

Pet Therapy = Acceptance

Therapy Team:                         Brenda Smith-Allen & Cajun

Shabre's "Cajun" Christmas, CD, CGC, TDI, TT

Breed:                                        Doberman Pinscher

Age:                                         10 yrs  

Therapy Certification:               TDI

How long as a therapy dog:       8 years

About Cajun:                             Cajun is my dream dog.  He is the most loving and loyal of any dog I have ever had and I have had many.  He has proven himself in his stability in mentally and physically handling anything I have asked him to from doing therapy work with any age person to riding buses, golf carts, etc.  He passed his American Temperament Test Society, Inc. temperament test as age 3 years.  I have never had to worry or feel insecure when he is with me.  We have traveled together as far as Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Florida.  He has also done a fine job at being my demo dog for many classes I have taught.  He is the matriarch at our house and teaches the other dogs how pack life runs.  But lately he has reverted to his "second puppy hood" playing with his friends, Sam, Bo Jangles, Corky, and Daisy.  It does my heart good to see him playing like a puppy again.

Places we visit:                        Schools, nursing homes, Med Camps of NE Louisiana, birthday parties, and any place he is wanted/needed.  He's not picky!

Cajun's favorite visits:              The food bowl (no, just kidding).  He seems to like nursing homes the best but loves all age of people to love and pet him.