Yossie, the therapy dog

Meet our newest member of the Haumanu Real Clinical Team in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).

Yossie is working hard to learn the ropes of being a therapy dog. Research into the benefits of including dogs in the treatment process is growing.

Studies have shown that interactions with a therapy dog can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease feelings of loneliness.

We also know that integrating dogs into therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience and outcomes for the people we support. Yossie is working hard to learn the skills needed to graduate. He’s already a hit with both taiohi and kaimahi.

Yossie has provided support in numerous sessions and is looking forward to stretching his legs with kaimahi from other entities.

— This story was first featured in Harikoa magazine (issue 2, 2024).