Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2017

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T H E R A P Y
While therapy dogs bring joy to those struggling with
grief, illness or emotional upset, they also are helping kids
increase their own literary confidence. We all remember
the early days of childhood where sounding out words and
reading aloud to a group of our peers could possibly bring
on anxiety. What if your reading partner had a shiny coat
and a nonjudgmental stance? Therapy dogs make monthly
appearances at libraries, such as Mount Pleasant Regional
and Edgar Allen Poe on Sullivan’s Island, to participate in
reading programs designed to help children excel.
“Dogs don’t criticize or laugh when one makes a mistake,”
said Cynthia King, president of Southeastern Therapy Ani-
mal Resources. “Also, there are children who come who are
afraid of dogs. It is fun to watch a shy child want to come
up to pet our dogs.”
King is the proud owner of two standard poodles, Pete
and Holly, that accompany her to hospitals, assisted living
facilities and schools all across the Lowcountry.
“As a founding member of STAR, I’ve watched it grow
from seven people sitting on a porch, deciding to start a
therapy group, to around 80 members,” said King. “Just
knowing how many teams we are helping in the commu-
nity is satisfying.”
Think your pooch has what it takes to bring smiles to
faces throughout the area? King encourages community
members to reach out and get involved.
“There is no one breed or size of dog that makes a good
therapy dog,” said King. “All that is needed is a trained dog
– one that enjoys being petted.”
From Great Danes to basset hounds, the number of
shapes a therapy dog can take is about as varied as the
people and ailments they can help. U
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East Cooper Animal Hospital is a companion animal practice
specializing in canine and feline medicine and surgery.
We offer a comprehensive range of veterinary medical services.
We schedule appointments with our
veterinarians beginning at 8:30AM
Monday through Saturday.
MARCI SAULS, DVM | ARTISE STEWART, DVM
843.884.6171
993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm | Sat 8:30 am - Noon
East Cooper Animal Hospital looks forward to becoming your
partner in providing excellent health care for your pet.
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