St. John’s Ambulance in Ridge Meadows runs a great Therapy Dog program benefiting many of our local residents.  The 20 year old program brings volunteer dogs and owners to various  hospitals,  special care and long term care facilities.

What’s the benefit? Well, this is what you can find on the St. John’s Ambulance Website

Research has shown that visits from Therapy Dogs help people recovery more quickly from surgery, and strokes; and can reduce feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety associated with an illness. The unconditional love of a Therapy Dog can also assist with prescribed therapy and lowering blood pressure

Yvonne and John McDonald, Therapy Dog Coordinators at Ridge Meadows St John’s Ambulance explain about the program:

SJA Therapy Dogs come in all sizes, small, medium or large, not only enjoy what they do, but they see the benefits that are received. There has been an increase in the amount of SJA Therapy Dog volunteers for Ridge Meadows, but there is always a need for more people and their dogs to join the organization.

This upcoming week, in honor of this great program, I’m featuring a biography-a-day of the lovely “canine ambassadors” who participate in this program.

If you would like more information about the program, or if you and your canine friend are interested in volunteering, please contact John and Yvonne McDonald, Therapy Dog Coordinators at the Ridge Meadows Branch of St John’s Ambulance.

John and Yvonne
Therapy Dog Coordinators
St John’s Ambulance
Ridge Meadows Branch
604-467-1490
john.mcdonald@bc.sja.ca