Therapy Dog
Donation protected
As many of you know, I have spent most of my life trying to help people. For the past 22 years, I have served in various ministry roles both inside and outside the church. For the past five years, I have been ministering to those who suffer from mental health issues, as a faith based counselor, at Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.
As I continue to learn about the rising mental health issue and the therapeutic modalities that are effective in treatment, I am always trying to grow both personally and professionally.
Over the past year, I have been reading research about "animal assisted therapy" that is taking place around the world. I have decided to add a pet therapy dog as a "co-therapist" within my own practice.
I have chosen a Bichon Frise for many reasons. Primarily, they are hypoallergenic which means they shed very little which lessons the chance that a client would have an allergic reaction. They are very trainable and comforting to most people. They are very social in their interactions with strangers.
This decision was based on a lot of research and my desire to help my clients. The process to purchase, train and implement this animal as part of my therapy will take about a year and cost about $4500.
I was able to locate an award winning breeder in the Upstate area of SC. The puppies were just born Tuesday night, May 10th.
I found a certification program that will help prepare me in the implementation and utilization of this co-therapist with my clients. Implementation of a program like this is quite costly and requires a lot of personal timE. The dog is $1300 and the certification training is $3200.
I am asking my friends, acquaintances and ministry partners to prayerfully consider what investment you can make in changing the lives of those who suffer with mental health issues.
I am thankful to have friends like you. I know I can count on you to pray for this endeavor, even if you are not able to invest at this time.
I pray God's richest blessings upon you and yours as you seek to serve HIM through your life!
As I continue to learn about the rising mental health issue and the therapeutic modalities that are effective in treatment, I am always trying to grow both personally and professionally.
Over the past year, I have been reading research about "animal assisted therapy" that is taking place around the world. I have decided to add a pet therapy dog as a "co-therapist" within my own practice.
I have chosen a Bichon Frise for many reasons. Primarily, they are hypoallergenic which means they shed very little which lessons the chance that a client would have an allergic reaction. They are very trainable and comforting to most people. They are very social in their interactions with strangers.
This decision was based on a lot of research and my desire to help my clients. The process to purchase, train and implement this animal as part of my therapy will take about a year and cost about $4500.
I was able to locate an award winning breeder in the Upstate area of SC. The puppies were just born Tuesday night, May 10th.
I found a certification program that will help prepare me in the implementation and utilization of this co-therapist with my clients. Implementation of a program like this is quite costly and requires a lot of personal timE. The dog is $1300 and the certification training is $3200.
I am asking my friends, acquaintances and ministry partners to prayerfully consider what investment you can make in changing the lives of those who suffer with mental health issues.
I am thankful to have friends like you. I know I can count on you to pray for this endeavor, even if you are not able to invest at this time.
I pray God's richest blessings upon you and yours as you seek to serve HIM through your life!
Organizer
Michael R. Stewart
Organizer
Myrtle Beach, SC