Resilience from a therapy dog perspective

  • Published
  • By Code Blue
  • 6th Medical Group Resiliency dog
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Medical Group has a new therapist-in-training on duty and the staff is proud to introduce her to you ... her name is Saoirse (Sierra Shea) and her first assignment as a member of the 6th Medical Group team took place at last week's Cirque du Resiliency Fair at the fitness center.

Now, before you question the wisdom of the four-legged provider, take a few moments to review her recommendations for a happy, healthy life.
  • Take your owner on frequent walks.
  • Shake off life's troubles.
  • "Wag more, bark less."
  • Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
  • Smiles and praise are powerful reinforcements.
  • Don't give people the paw (This is especially true when driving!).
  • Pick up after yourself.
  • Embrace the smallest of successes.
  • Stop and smell all of Earth's delights.
  • Live in the moment.
  • Take time out each day to play catch with someone you love.
  • A good meal is a happy motivator.
Saoirse's pet therapy resiliency program was inspired by Army combat stress control team therapy dogs, Sgt. 1st Class Albert and Sgt. 1st Class Zack, during their successful 2011 tours of duty in Balad, Iraq.

While pet therapy here at MacDill deals with different challenges, the objective is the same: provide love, support and compassion to keep friends and family safe and secure.

Those a doctor deems would benefit from a therapy dog can arrange obtaining a canine companion through the Mental Health office.